Researchers identify gene causing multiple sclerosis
Three teams of researchers, working separately by different methods, have succeeded in identifying the gene linked to the causes of multiple sclerosis.

Energy shortage hampers development in Africa
Perhaps 25 of the 44 sub-Saharan nations face crippling electricity shortages. War, poor planning, population booms, high oil prices and drought have combined to leave both industry and residents short of power when many need it most.

Tarnished, the Tour de France confronts its future
Although the racing itself in this Tour was splendid it is impossible to argue that the race was not a fiasco.
- Surprises lift mood a bit for Tour de France finish
- With a shrug, fans are likely to forgive corruption

Israel declines to criticize U.S. weapons sales to Gulf Arab states
In a significant departure from past Israeli policy, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert posed no objections Sunday to a new U.S. plan to sell state-of-the-art weaponry to Saudi Arabia and other moderate Arab states, saying Iran was the common enemy.

Small broadcasters turn profitable with a local emphasis
Local European television stations, especially in Germany, are carving out a niche in an online world.

For U.S. and Britain, opposite directions in Iraq
As U.S. troop levels are rising in Baghdad, British force levels are dropping, with the troops preparing to withdraw completely from the city center of Basra and potentially offering lessons for an eventual U.S. pullback.

Facebook hears accusations about sexual predators using its site
Richard Blumenthal, the Connecticut attorney general, has said that state investigators are looking into "three or more" cases of convicted sex offenders who had registered on Facebook and had "also found inappropriate images and content" on the service.

Letter from Thailand: Trying to figure out how to make the transition from a coup-led government to democracy
A story about an elephant that tramples his tormentor becomes a metaphor for the difficulty faced by Thailand in returning to democracy.

Noriega: Does Panama want him back?
With his release from a U.S. prison on the horizon, there are mixed feelings in Panama about the possible return of their deposed dictator.

Soccer: From shattered Iraq, a united team triumphs, 1-0
It was no lucky victory. Iraq dominated the final against a heavily favored Saudi Arabia, a three-time Asian Cup champion.