Britain's decision on nuclear power could give new hope to industry
Supporters say plans by a left-leaning government to replace aging nuclear plants would demonstrate a new era of pragmatism.

Microsoft to acquire Fast Search for $1.2 billion
The purchase of the Norwegian company will give Microsoft its first search engine designed specifically for large companies.

Sarkozy proposes taxing new technology to finance the old
The move could profoundly reshape the media landscape in France.
- Sarkozy and Bruni likely to marry
- India frets over possibility of a Sarkozy-Bruni state visit

Odinga rejects a meeting with President Kibaki in Kenyan standoff
The main Kenyan opposition leader on Tuesday rejected a presidential invitation for talks, calling the offer "public relations gimmickry."
- Obama intervenes in Kenya strife

U.S. launches major Iraq offensive
The operation to drive extremist Sunni insurgents from their stronghold in Diyala Province was staged with unusual secrecy, but many insurgents still managed to flee ahead of time.

Jewish group criticizes campaign of Merkel ally
Inflaming an already highly charged regional election contest, the Central Council of Jews in Germany spoke out Tuesday against an anti-foreigner campaign promoted by Roland Koch.
- German economic outlook suddenly turns risky for Merkel

Gold prices climb to record high
Gold futures surged to an all-time high above $875 an ounce Tuesday as traders bet that rebounding oil prices would boost demand for the metal as a safe haven investment.

200,000 mainland-born residents ineligible to vote in Taiwan
Many mainland-born spouses of Taiwanese citizens are barred from voting because of their ambiguous national status.

China Eastern shareholders thwart Singapore Airlines' ambitions
The shape of China's aviation industry could be remade in the coming months, with the possible emergence of one dominant Chinese airline, after Singapore Airlines was rebuffed in an attempt to gain a foothold in the booming market.
- Despite multiple setbacks, Singapore still seeks deals

Bear Stearns CEO stepping down
James Cayne, the embattled chief executive of Bear Stearns, will step down after the deepest losses in the firm's history.
- Co-president quits at Barclays Capital
- Sallie Mae appoints its rescuer as chairman

Doctors in Jakarta struggle to stabilize Suharto
People in the capital monitored radio and television broadcasts for reports on the former president, who has lived quietly in his modest home for the past decade, largely ignored in the bustle of democracy that followed his downfall.
- Power elite in Indonesia pay homage to ailing Suharto

As a surrogate, Bill Clinton doesn't cause the same stir in New Hampshire
Since Hillary Rodham Clinton's performance in Iowa last week, one of the more intriguing narratives around her campaign has been the "Bill to the Rescue" conceit.

In search of new light bulbs to save energy
Across the globe, governments are proposing bans on wasteful light bulbs, requiring some to be phased out as early as 2009. Finding an alternative to halogen lighting is not a simple task, however.

Josie Ho: Tracking a star, from Hong Kong to Sundance
Josie Ho is a bright star in Asia's burgeoning independent cinema scene, starring in the first Hong Kong film ("The Drummer") to compete at Sundance. And if plans go ahead for her to begin producing movies next year, she could also be a star maker.