2/16 International Herald Tribune - World News, Analysis, and Global Opinions

Chávez wins bid to lift term limits February 15, 2009 at 9:47 pm President Hugo Chávez handily won a referendum on Sunday that will allow him to run for re-election indefinitely. To fix Detroit, Obama is said to drop plan for 'car czar' February 15, 2009 at 9:47 pm The Obama administration will instead put the politically delicate task of revamping General Motors and Chrysler in the hands of a panel. Japanese economy shrinks by most since 1974 February 15, 2009 at 9:47 pm Japan's GDP shrank at an annual rate of 12.7 percent in the fourth quarter, the biggest drop since 1974, further confirming that the world's second-biggest economy is in a severe recession. Pakistan and Taliban appear near deal February 15, 2009 at 9:47 pm In a violent region of northern Pakistan, militants declared a 10-day cease-fire and the government said it was willing to accept the imposition of Islamic law. Mandela joins rally for party leader February 15, 2009 at 9:47 pm The 90-year-old patriarch's appearance was viewed as an endorsement for Jacob Zuma, the leader of the embattled African National Congress. Asia welcomes Clinton, and renewed attention February 15, 2009 at 2:17 pm The top U.S. diplomat's trip signals the region will be a higher diplomatic priority than during the previous administration. Islamic women seek recognition of their rights February 15, 2009 at 2:17 pm The religious order banning women from dressing like tomboys was bad enough. But the fatwa by Malaysia's leading clerics against yoga was the last straw. White House says stimulus won't be a quick fix February 15, 2009 at 2:17 pm As President Barack Obama prepares to sign the $787 billion stimulus bill, administration officials sought to temper expectations. China's image improves as world economy slumps February 15, 2009 at 2:17 pm As the world lurches ever closer to economic catastrophe, China's image is changing from that of currency manipulator to a source of badly needed consumer demand. Venezuelans voting on lifting terms limits February 15, 2009 at 2:17 pm A referendum would allow President Hugo Chávez to remain in power indefinitely. Pakistani Taliban militants declare cease-fire after freeing Chinese engineer February 15, 2009 at 2:17 pm The Taliban proclaimed a 10-day cease-fire in the Swat Valley of Pakistan on Sunday after freeing a Chinese hostage during peace talks with the government, while an abducted American threatened with imminent death by his kidnappers remained missing. Israel confirms papal visit to Holy Land February 15, 2009 at 2:17 pm The prime minister of Israel, Ehud Olmert, said Sunday that Pope Benedict XVI would visit Israel in May. Saudi king dismisses two religious figures February 15, 2009 at 2:17 pm The king of Saudi Arabia has dismissed two powerful religious figures and appointed a woman to oversee girls' education. Coal-fired electricity under attack, but alternatives seem distant February 15, 2009 at 2:17 pm In the United States, electricity generation from coal looks increasingly expensive in the face of the all-but-certain prospect of regulations that would impose significant costs. Despite early miscues, a good start for Obama February 15, 2009 at 2:17 pm Even as he has suffered personnel embarrassments and made mistakes, veteran observers of Beltway politics say the new president is doing well and will learn quickly. The pluses and minuses of ubiquitous plastic February 15, 2009 at 2:17 pm If we were to assess identify the design icons of our time in terms of quantity, rather than quality, a strong contender would be what is probably the commonest architectural feature of the early 21st century - the plastic window frame. 2 judges plead guilty in kickbacks for jailing teens February 15, 2009 at 2:17 pm The Pennsylvania men were accused of making deals with two juvenile detention centers. Roger Cohen: The magic mountain February 15, 2009 at 2:17 pm Up in the Alborz mountains, Iranians' long-held dream of freedom seems within reach. Thomas L. Friedman: Yes, they could. So they did. February 15, 2009 at 2:17 pm In New Delhi, it was refreshing to meet idealistic young people who are not waiting for governments to act, but are starting their own projects and driving innovation. Maureen Dowd: Oval newlywed game February 15, 2009 at 2:17 pm It can't be easy for President Obama, who has a highly defined superego, to be paired with Joe Biden, who is all id. White House is forced to rethink bipartisan aims February 15, 2009 at 12:36 pm On the day before the big economic-stimulus vote, President Barack Obama took a freshman Republican member of Congress aboard Air Force One to visit Illinois. Before an audience in Representative Aaron Schock's district, Obama praised him as "a very talented young man" and expressed "great confidence in him to do the right thing for the people of Peoria." Eric Cantor heads the opposition in the U.S. House February 15, 2009 at 12:32 pm As the party's chief vote wrangler, Eric Cantor of Virginia is as responsible as anyone for the tough line the party has taken in its first legislative standoff with Obama. Looks like a Prius, acts like Prius February 15, 2009 at 8:43 am In designing the 2010 Insight, Honda's goal was to create a hybrid car that was not just practical, but would be priced within reach of buyers who can't afford a Civic Hybrid or a Toyota Prius.