Clinton moves to widen role of State Department
As she prepares to lead the State Department, Hillary Rodham Clinton is seeking a bigger budget and an expanded role in dealing with global economic issues.
- At house party on U.S. health care, the diagnosis is it's broken
- Obama is to report Tuesday on Blagojevich contacts

Petition over detained Chinese writer goes international
More than 160 prominent writers, scholars and rights advocates outside mainland China have signed an open letter to President Hu Jintao asking him to release Liu Xiaobo.

Germany calls for international piracy court
Germany called Tuesday for an international court to be set up to prosecute Somali pirates who have attacked scores of vessels this year, threatening global trade in one of the world's busiest shipping ***s.
- Chinese warships to leave Friday for Somalia

House sales, and prices, fall in U.S.
About 45 percent of all home sales were "distressed sales," meaning that the sellers faced foreclosure, or that they sold their home for less than the value of the mortgage.
- U.S. economic growth worst since 2001
- British economy dropped more than previously reported

West Bank shows signs of getting better
Life for West Bank Palestinians, oppressive and challenging though it remains, seems to be making substantial, if fragile, improvement.

Obama aide had multiple talks with Governor
An internal review prepared for Barack Obama found his incoming chief of staff had multiple conversations with the scandal-plagued Illinois governor's office, but said the talks did not involve any deal concerning whom the governor would appoint to replace Obama in the Senate.

Iraqi lawmakers move to extend non-U.S. troops' presence
The Iraqi Parliament accepted the resignation of the Parliament speaker, Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, on Tuesday and immediately authorized the government to approve a resolution to allow British, Australian and other non-American troops to stay in Iraq after the end of the year.
- UN extends its shield of Iraqi assets for a year

Obstacle seen in bid to curb Afghan trade in narcotics
Some NATO member nations say their laws do not permit soldiers to carry out such operations.

Foreign automakers in the U.S. cut back
Though they have deep pockets and ample credit, foreign-owned car companies with major operations in the U.S. are also facing slowing sales.
- Investors bet that cash won't save GM
- Car slump jolts Toyota, halting 70 years of gain
- Last day of work at two GM factories

Mugabe rejects U.S., British calls to step down
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe said Tuesday the United States and Britain are "stupid" to think he shouldn't be part of a unity government.
- British official criticizes Mugabe

Shoplifting rises in U.S. as economy drops
Police departments across the United States say that shoplifting arrests are 10 percent to 20 percent higher this year than last.

Expected bad news doesn't scare Wall Street
While the home sales readings show further weakness, investors have likely already priced in very low expectations. U.S. stocks remained flat in light trading. Europe was up.
- Low corporate debt values can be an opportunity
- Plunging commodities prices may draw investments from pension funds
- Dollar link weakens for commodities

Nubians push for a return to their drowned homeland
The Egyptian government has plans to develop the area near what was Nubian territory, but the former inhabitants have other ideas.

Generation left behind by Filipino migrant workers
The Philippines is known as the world's supplier of nurses, nannies and maids. But as more mothers move overseas for work, children like Rommel Miñoza, right, are suffering from increasing social problems.

Loyalty may be less lucrative, but some still prefer it
Barcelona's Xavi Hernández, has just signed an extension to his contract that will enable him to see out his playing days with his one and only club.

Question of semantics on troop withdrawal: How many is 'all'?
What is the definition of a combat soldier? When will all U.S. combat troops withdraw from the major cities of Iraq? The long answers open up complicated responses.