Israel vows to continue attacks against Hamas
After a Palestinian rocket killed an Israeli on Sunday, Olmert warned: "We are not bound by any timetable in this matter."
- For Israel, reasons to talk to Syria are adding up

Romania rules at Cannes Film Festival
The top award, the Palme d'Or, went to Cristian Mungiu for "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days," and the jury for Un Certain Regard gave its highest honor to "California Dreamin,"' a first feature by the late Cristian Nemescu.

Palestinians mediators seek end to Lebanon camp siege
The government kept up demands for the surrender of Islamic militants inside the camp but was reluctant to launch an all-out assault.

Ukrainian leaders agree to hold elections
The pact defuses a political crisis that had escalated with President Viktor Yushchenko's decision to order extra Interior Ministry troops to the capital, Kiev.

Venezuelan news media are shifting Chávez's way
A pro-government media elite is emerging, and a vocal critic - the country's oldest broadcaster - is effectively being shut down.
- Opposition-aligned TV station to be forced off the air in Venezuela

Riot troops break up a gay rights rally in Moscow
The police detained organizers of the rally along with European lawmakers, as members of Orthodox Christian and nationalist groups pummeled gay rights demonstrators with insults, eggs and fists.

Algeria's quiet revolution: Gains by women
In this tradition-bound nation, women are emerging as an economic and political force unheard of in the Arab world.

Myanmar pro-democracy activists demand release of Aung San Suu Kyi
Members of Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party rallied in Yangon for her release from house arrest, which was extended Friday for a fifth year.

Globalist by Roger Cohen: Israel and the price of blindness
The West Bank is a shameful place. If this is the price of security, it is unacceptable.

More war, or peace?
On the 40th anniversary of the Six Day War, both Israelis and Palestinians should pause and think.

Cannes: The director Ekachai Uekrongtham explores Singapore's underbelly
The Singapore-based Thai director Ekachai Uekrongtham is competing in Cannes with "Kuaile Gongchang" (Pleasure Factory), about Singapore's red-light district. His foray into cinema coincides with a concerted effort by the government to promote Singapore as a vibrant cultural capital and a center for filmmaking.

Cannes: Odes to a beautiful France and austerity in Britain
France is shown in flattering light by foreign directors: Hou Hsia-Hsien's "The Flight of the Red Balloon," Michael Moore's "Sicko," Julian Schnabel's "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" and Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud's "Persépolis." The Hungarian director Béla Tarr portrays a bleak but beautiful austerity in "The Man From London."

Cannes: Strong actresses distinguish festival
With an impressive roster of fierce, fearless actresses gracing the Cannes screen this year, the prize for best female performance may well upstage the Palme d'Or.

At Cannes, more serious films are favorites for the Palme d'or
Theme-laden serious films are favorites for the Palme d'Or which will be announced on Sunday.