Pro-Thaksin party, winners of Thai vote, claim pact to form government
The People Power Party said they had reached agreement with coalition partners to form a government but would wait until official election results were released before providing details.

Afghan talks fail to avert expulsions of 2 officials
The two men were accused of threatening national security after they reportedly met with Taliban members.
- Presidents of Afghanistan and Pakistan seek closer cooperation

Ad money begins to trickle in for bloggers
It is no longer unusual for blogs with just a couple thousand daily readers to earn nearly as many dollars a month.

Edwards gets demerits for tardiness on the campaign trail
While most people are willing to endure some delays to see John Edwards, his habit of lateness has alienated others.

Chinese goods transform life in Southeast Asia
Cheap Chinese products are flooding China's southern neighbors, and consumers in Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia are laying out the welcome mat.

Aid losing to hunger in Darfur, UN reports
Child malnutrition rates have increased sharply in Darfur, even though it is home to the world's largest aid operation, according to a new United Nations report.

Colombia authorizes mission to recover 3 hostages
President Hugo Chávez of Venezuela said earlier Wednesday that he had aircraft ready to pick up the hostages in Colombia within hours.

Serbia considers retaliatory steps against West if Kosovo breaks free
Parliament debated a measure Wednesday that would sever diplomatic ties with Western countries that recognized the province's statehood.

Chad court sentences French aid workers to 8 years forced labor
The six aid workers with the organization L'Arche de Zoé had been charged with trying to kidnap 103 African children.

U.S. retailers try to lure shoppers after weak holiday sales
Merchants are looking for a much needed boost during this crucial period.

Texas bucks trend away from executions
For the first time in the modern history of the death penalty, more than 60 percent of all American executions took place in Texas.

Qaddafi may be rude, but he's extremely rich
Sarkozy the salesman is busy seeking contracts in North Africa.

A tempest in a Champagne flute
As demand for Champagne soars, France moves toward the largest expansion of Champagne vineyards in eight decades.

IHT global sports forum with Christopher Clarey: Part 2
The annual year-end, year-ahead sports forum with Christopher Clarey.
- IHT global sports forum with Christopher Clarey: Part I