Iraqis protest against troop deal Supporters of Shia cleric Moqtada Sadr stage protests in Baghdad against a deal to allow US troops to remain in Iraq.
Zimbabwe refuses Annan group visa Former UN head Kofi Annan and ex-US president Jimmy Carter cancel a visit to Zimbabwe after they are refused visas.
Arroyo husband falls ill on plane The husband of Philippines President Gloria Arroyo is taken ill on a plane, forcing a diversion to Japan.
US shares up on 'Treasury choice' US shares rise sharply on reports that President-elect Barack Obama has chosen his treasury secretary, reassuring investors.
Inner space Making the space station just a bit more like home
New leader for French Socialists A vote to choose the leader of France's Socialist opposition is won by Martine Aubry, the architect of the 35-hour-week.
India 'to step up piracy battle' India plans to bolster its naval presence in the Gulf of Aden to tackle piracy off Somalia's coast, reports say.
Burma comic jailed for 45 years Popular Burmese comedian and activist Zarganar is sentenced to 45 years in jail in the latest of a string of imprisonments.
Cholera outbreak strikes Zimbabwe The death toll from a cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe nears 300 as the water and sanitation situation "worsens", the UN says.
Clinton 'will accept State post' Hillary Clinton will agree to serve as secretary of state under US President-elect Barack Obama, the New York Times reports.
Grenade wounds Thai demonstrators A grenade blast wounds eight protesters in Thailand, amid rising tension between the government and demonstrators.
New twist in Politkovskaya trial The trial of three men over the murder of Russian reporter Anna Politkovskaya is postponed amid deepening controversy.
Security increase in tense Hebron Israel increases security in the West Bank city of Hebron ahead of a Jewish pilgrimage there by an expected 20,000 people.
Moscow super skyscraper halted The Russian firm building Europe's tallest tower suspends work, citing the global credit crisis
