Way seems cleared for new Thai government
Thailand's Supreme Court dismissed a challenge to the party backed by Thaksin Shinawatra, the ousted prime minister whose return to the country now seems more likely.
- Bangkok claims international funding for Muslim militants is increasing

Finland and EU embroiled in 'wolf wars'
European Union efforts to protect predators have reindeer herders complaining that their livelihoods are in danger.

Bush calls for $145 billion stimulus package for economy
The president said a growth package must include tax incentives for business investment and tax relief for individuals.

Christian Noyer sees 'partial decoupling' of U.S. and EU economies
The Bank of France governor said consumers and financial institutions in the euro zone appeared relatively insulated from effects of the subprime mortgage market meltdown.
- ECB warns of sharply tighter standards for borrowers in Europe
- Big EU economies push for greater market transparency

CIA concludes that Bhutto killers had ties to the militant Baitullah Mehsud and Al Qaeda.
The Central Intelligence Agency judgment is the first formal assessment by the U.S. government about who was responsible for killing Bhutto during a rally in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Opposition in Kenya shifts to boycotts from demonstrations.
After three days of nationwide rallies that degenerated into battles with police officers, the country was mostly calm, save for a few flash points.

Despite deadly clashes in Iraq, Shiite pilgrims spared
While there was calm during religious celebrations in Karbala, in Basra and Nasiriya more than 40 people were killed as Iraqi government troops fought with an obscure militia group.

Slovene leader accused of media censorship
Opponents of Prime Minister Janez Jansa, who played a critical role in spurring Slovenia's pro-democracy movement, argue that he is trying to manipulate the media whose freedom he once fought to uphold.

Israel closes border and steps up military action in Gaza
Israel said it was acting to try to halt rocket attacks into Israel from Gaza, while Hamas and other Palestinian militants said that they had increased their rocket fire in retaliation for intensified Israeli raids.

Dichotomies endure, but the pressure builds
More than most places, it is tempting to see China today as a study in dichotomies. One involves an ongoing struggle for social justice, and can be seen as a race between protest and process as a means of addressing legitimate grievances.

Comme des Garçons has the winning mix
All the strong designers for the 2008 winter menswear season are stirring up a mix to get an ironic take on apparently sober clothes. So a shrunken suit turned to show a wacky back at Junya Watanabe and Yohji Yamamoto had classic outfits with manic proportions.

On the side of the law in Gaza, women gain a place
The policemen of Hamas now have company: Since the Islamic group took over here last June it has been recruiting policewomen as well.
- Militants in Gaza bombard southern Israel with rockets