2/7 International Herald Tribune - World News, Analysis, and Global Opinions

Startled Iraqis welcome,sort of, their first tourist February 7, 2009 at 5:09 am "I am a tourist" were his first words. The telephone line from Falluja was bad, but there could be no mistake. Possibly Iraq's, and certainly Falluja's, first Western leisure visitor was in town. Senators reach deal on stimulus February 7, 2009 at 5:09 am Democratic leaders reached an agreement with Republican moderates to pare down a huge economic recovery measure. European conference focuses on global security February 7, 2009 at 5:09 am Afghanistan was a major focus Saturday at a gathering of world leaders and top ministers at the Munich Security Conference. Breakthrough on stimulus required partisanship February 7, 2009 at 1:48 am President Barack Obama is confronting the impediments to his most ambitious pledge: to end the capital's party warfare. U.S.-backed raid fails, and Congo rebels run wild February 6, 2009 at 4:39 pm The recent attack on a notorious Ugandan rebel group went awry, scattering fighters who carried out a wave of massacres as they fled. Dispirited Israelis head for the voting booth February 6, 2009 at 4:39 pm As Israelis trudge once again to the polling stations Tuesday to elect a new government for the fifth time in a decade, many of them may still be asking themselves who they are going to vote for, and why. Pakistan frees leaker of nuclear technology February 6, 2009 at 4:39 pm A Pakistani court ruled Friday that the father of Pakistan's nuclear program, Abdul Qadeer Khan, who was accused of selling nuclear technology abroad, was no longer under house arrest. In Europe, payback time for bankers February 6, 2009 at 4:39 pm European banks are taking their cue from the United States and capping pay and bonuses. Democrats cite jobs report as stimulus talks continue February 6, 2009 at 4:39 pm Democrats called for quick action on the economic package as Republicans argued against what they called wasteful spending. U.S. jobless rate jumps to 16-year high February 6, 2009 at 4:39 pm The United States lost almost 600,000 jobs last month and the unemployment rate rose to 7.6 percent, its highest level in more than 16 years, the Labor Department said Friday. Global markets finish the week with strong gains February 6, 2009 at 4:39 pm As signs of Main Street's suffering increased on Friday, Wall Street soared. It was the broadest gain for U.S. markets in about two weeks. Toyota forecasts first annual net loss since 1950 February 6, 2009 at 4:39 pm Toyota Motor, the world's largest automaker, said Friday that it expected its full- year operating loss to be three times bigger than its previous forecast, and also said it expected its first net loss since 1950. 52 militants killed in northwestern Pakistan February 6, 2009 at 4:39 pm Government helicopter gunships killed 52 Islamist militants Friday in two attacks in northwestern Pakistan, a lawless region where al-Qaida and Taliban militants increasingly hold sway, a government official said. A new tongue to win hearts and minds February 6, 2009 at 4:39 pm Since its inception, 32,000 students from poor families in 50 countries have learned English in a U.S. State Department program designed to promote understanding from the bottom up. This wild girl's a homebody now February 6, 2009 at 4:39 pm Lily Allen, with a new album, works on a grown-up image as well as nights on the town. Dark horse wins over one Iraqi city: Karbala February 6, 2009 at 1:16 pm Yousef Majid al-Habboubi, a former Baathist, managed to defeat not only the religious parties who controlled the province of Karbala but also Maliki's preferred candidates by a 2-1 margin. Former chief of Lehman Brothers in France may be next chief of LSE February 6, 2009 at 1:02 pm Xavier Rolet is said to be the front-runner to replace Clara Furse at the helm at the London Stock Exchange. 598,000 jobs lost as U.S. jobless rate hits 7.6% in January February 6, 2009 at 10:56 am Job losses were once again spread across both manufacturing and services industries, reinforcing the picture of an economy contracting at its fastest pace in decades. Toyota posts massive loss and expects more to come February 6, 2009 at 10:56 am Less than two months after forecasting its first ever full-year operating loss, Toyota Motor said Friday that it now anticipates that loss to be three times as much as originally expected. Japan offers lessons on stimulus spending February 6, 2009 at 10:56 am As the Obama administration embarks on its $820 billion stimulus plan, many economists are taking a fresh look at Japan's troubled experience. Pakistan frees leaker of nuclear technology February 6, 2009 at 10:56 am A Pakistani court ruled Friday that the father of Pakistan's nuclear program, Abdul Qadeer Khan, who was accused of selling nuclear technology abroad, was no longer under house arrest. British bank adapts to life on a leash February 6, 2009 at 10:56 am After a government bailout, the Royal Bank of Scotland's once cosseted executives are adjusting to a leaner – and meaner – life. Party of prime minister wins in Iraq elections February 6, 2009 at 10:56 am The Dawa Party of Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki garnered the most votes in provincial elections, but it fell short of being able to operate without coalition-building. Zimbabwe judge withdraws opposition treason charge February 6, 2009 at 10:56 am The judge withdrew treason charges Friday against Tendai Biti, a senior leader of the political opposition and a key negotiator in talks with President Robert Mugabe's regime. Cole bombing suspect's charges dropped as trials halted February 6, 2009 at 10:56 am The senior Pentagon judge overseeing terror trials at Guantánamo Bay has dropped charges against a Qaeda suspect in the 2000 bombing of the U.S. Navy destroyer Cole, upholding President Barack Obama's order to freeze military tribunals there. Governor not rattled by blind-man humor February 6, 2009 at 10:56 am David Paterson's emergence as governor was an inspiration to many people with disabilities, especially the blind. The comedy of ineptitude, political division February 6, 2009 at 10:56 am Will Ferrell, making his Broadway debut in "You're Welcome America. A Final Night With George W Bush," provides a critic-proof demonstration of the art of acting stupid, shrewdly, for fun and profit. A break from woes for America's Cup February 6, 2009 at 10:56 am For a sport in need of reassuring scenes, the familiar water views provided by New Zealand's self-dubbed "City of Sails" seem like the ideal tonic. Containing the fire of the gods February 6, 2009 at 10:56 am Proliferation of nuclear weapons has become an overarching strategic problem for our time. Hold that line February 6, 2009 at 10:56 am Obama may be in an excellent position to pursue a balanced policy toward Russia. Bumping and thrusting with grandpa February 6, 2009 at 10:56 am On a birthday cruise, a man goes overboard. Shares gain in Europe, helped by Wall St. February 6, 2009 at 5:41 am European shares were higher Friday, tracking overnight gains in the U.S. market which rose on hopes that a government rescue plan would go ahead and bank lending would increase. High stakes for Obama at weekend security conference February 6, 2009 at 12:32 am Vice President Joseph Biden Jr.'s speech at a weekend security conference will be watched closely to determine what tack the Obama administration will take regarding Russia. A diverse group of senators at center stage in U.S. economic debate February 6, 2009 at 12:22 am A group of about 20 senators spent Thursday cooped up in a nondescript room in the Senate, searching for ways to make the economic stimulus package more palatable to both parties. Israel diverts ship bound for Gaza February 6, 2009 at 12:21 am The boat, which had left Lebanon a few days before, was carrying what its organizers said was humanitarian aid.