2/25 International Herald Tribune - World News, Analysis, and Global Opinions

Turkish plane crash in Amsterdam kills 9 February 25, 2009 at 7:31 am A Turkish Airlines jet carrying 135 people crashed into a field on its approach to Schiphol Airport outside Amsterdam on Wednesday, killing nine people and injuring 50. Obama urges bold action and big ideas February 25, 2009 at 7:31 am The president sought to convince anxious Americans why now is the right time for expanding aspirations. Pakistani court bars former leader from office February 25, 2009 at 7:31 am The Supreme Court barred the former prime minister and opposition leader, Nawaz Sharif, from elected office Wednesday in a decision that is likely to plunge Pakistan into deeper political turmoil. In Venezuela, trying to map out blueprint for lost city February 25, 2009 at 7:31 am Archaeologists and economic historians see a parable in the ruins of a former epicenter for today's oil-rich Venezuela. Obama favoring mid-2010 pullout in Iraq, aides say February 25, 2009 at 7:31 am The timetable would give the military three months more to withdraw than the 16-month pullout Obama promised last year on the campaign trail. Attacks on Al Qaeda concentrate its threat to Pakistan February 25, 2009 at 7:31 am Despite the gains from strikes and raids, Al Qaeda is adapting in order to maintain a hold on its sanctuaries in the region. Economic downturn hits Japanese exports and Hong Kong GDP February 25, 2009 at 7:31 am Japanese exports nearly halved in January and Hong Kong's economy contracted 2.5 percent in the last three months of 2008. Iran to begin tests at nuclear station February 25, 2009 at 7:31 am Some 35 years after construction started, Iran said it would begin test operations at its first nuclear power station in the port of Bushehr, an official news agency said. Border guards and army clash in Bangladesh February 25, 2009 at 7:31 am A confrontation erupted Wednesday between army and paramilitary border security forces here in the congested capital of Bangladesh, less than two months after the country returned to civilian rule. India charges Mumbai gunman with murder February 25, 2009 at 7:31 am Investigators charged the lone surviving gunman from the Mumbai attacks with 12 crimes on Wednesday, including murder and waging war against India. In education, furniture matters, too February 25, 2009 at 7:31 am A popular new school desk that allows students to stand or sit is part of a new idea in education — that furniture should be considered as seriously as instruction. Leonard Cohen on the road, for reasons practical and spiritual February 25, 2009 at 7:31 am Religious devotion weighs heavily in both music and life for Leonard Cohen, and it takes many forms. Roger Cohen: The inner life February 25, 2009 at 7:31 am Outer turmoil and truths that transcend it. Thomas L. Friedman: Globally, Uncle Sam is still No. 1 February 25, 2009 at 7:31 am At no time in the last 50 years has America ever felt weaker, and at no time in the last 50 years has the world ever seen America as more important. Maureen Dowd: I ponied up for Sheryl Crow? February 25, 2009 at 7:31 am Northern Trust of Chicago, if you're not solvent, why are you using my tax dollars to party at a golf tournament? Japanese prime minister visits Obama February 25, 2009 at 6:28 am Prime Minister Taro Aso met President Barack Obama at the White House in hopes to secure the U.S.-Japanese alliance early in the new administration. Asian governments seek to stem increase in suicides February 25, 2009 at 5:08 am Suicides generally increase during times of economic trouble, experts say, and a look at suicide rates in the region shows that Asians are particularly susceptible. First lady's guests reflect themes of the speech February 25, 2009 at 12:30 am A bank executive and an eighth grader joined Michelle Obama for Tuesday's speech to Congress. Obama assures United States: 'We will rebuild' and 'recover' February 24, 2009 at 9:31 pm President Barack Obama called on Congress to address energy, health care and education programs, while warning that more money might be needed to aid banks. China wheat harvest withers in drought February 24, 2009 at 5:05 pm The latest drought is crippling not only the country's best wheat farmland but also the wells that provide clean water to industry and to millions of people. U.S. facing grave 'downside risks,' Bernanke warns February 24, 2009 at 5:05 pm The chairman of the Federal Reserve warned that the downturn could get even worse than recent economic forecasts. Bosnian Serb leader accused of corruption February 24, 2009 at 5:05 pm Tensions have escalated in Bosnia and Herzegovina after Bosnian Serb leaders threatened to pull out of state institutions, accused a senior American United Nations diplomat of conspiring against the Serbs and demanded the right to secede from the country. Nationalized in all but name: U.S. move echoes U.K. share of RBS February 24, 2009 at 5:05 pm The British government's minority stake in the Royal Bank of Scotland has ballooned to 68 percent. Data show deepening of slump in Europe February 24, 2009 at 5:05 pm The economic downturn continues to some of the newest members of the European Union. Musical show of unity upsets many in Israel February 24, 2009 at 5:05 pm An Arab and a Jew will represent the country in a musical contest, but critics call the gesture disingenuous. France overturns 5 terrorist convictions February 24, 2009 at 5:05 pm A French appeals court on Tuesday overturned terrorist conspiracy convictions of five former inmates of the Guantánamo prison camp who had been tried and convicted in in France. Dissolution of Chinese-South Korean auto venture could serve as cautionary tale February 24, 2009 at 5:05 pm Shanghai Auto's partnership with Ssangyong had been a symbol of Beijing's rising industrial influence and Seoul's deepening economic ties with its neighbor. Wall Street breaks a cycle with sharp gains February 24, 2009 at 5:05 pm In Paris, the CAC 40 fell 0.7 percent to close at 2,708.05 points, its seventh session of declines. The Dax in Frankfurt closed 1 percent lower at 3,895.75. 4 U.S. troops killed by roadside bomb in Afghanistan February 24, 2009 at 5:05 pm A roadside bomb killed four U.S. troops patrolling in southern Afghanistan on Tuesday in the deadliest single attack on international forces this year. An Afghan civilian working with the Americans also died. Yves Saint Laurent art sells for €206 million February 24, 2009 at 5:05 pm Christie's has scored an unprecedented triumph as it sold 59 Impressionist and Modern paintings, drawings and sculpture from the Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé collection for €206.15 million or $266.74 million. Running against time through thin air February 24, 2009 at 5:05 pm At 44 Matt Carpenter has become, once again, a dominant high-altitude distance runner, winning six long-distance races and setting two course records last year. Japan looks at government share purchases to save banks February 24, 2009 at 1:37 pm The Japanese government is looking at expanding share purchases and taking other steps to support the stock market amid growing fears for the economy. Obama to reassure skeptics on his plans February 24, 2009 at 1:07 pm The Obama administration promised to move forward "with some speed" to clarify and carry out its varied rescue plans. Project works to improve lives scarred by childbirth injury February 24, 2009 at 9:54 am Doctors are traveling through Africa to repair fistulas, injuries caused by obstructed labor that leave women incontinent and often outcast. Support for Obama still strong February 24, 2009 at 9:54 am The high level of confidence among Americans provides him with substantial political clout, according to a New York Times/CBS News poll. Tailban leader in Pakistan announces long-term cease-fire February 24, 2009 at 9:54 am The leader of the Taliban of the Swat region announced a long term cease-fire Tuesday, handing the Pakistani military a respite from fighting. Afghan civilian deaths show limits of air power February 24, 2009 at 9:54 am An increasing American reliance on airstrikes against insurgents has kindled growing fury over the civilian casualties that have come with them. Fed chief vows to use every tool to stem crisis February 24, 2009 at 9:54 am While the U.S. economy is likely to worsen significantly over the next year, the Federal Reserve is "committed to using all available tools" to stanch the financial crisis, Ben Bernanke said. A crisis is separating Eastern Europe's strong from its weak February 24, 2009 at 9:54 am Financial problems have reached Eastern Europe, even a relatively resilient economy like the Czech Republic. Europe follows Asia and Wall Street lower February 24, 2009 at 9:54 am European stocks added to their string of losses Tuesday amid worries that governments were struggling to figure out how to put the banking sector back on its feet. Protesters surround offices of Thai prime minister February 24, 2009 at 9:54 am Thousands of protesters in Bangkok demanded Tuesday that Parliament be dissolved and called for new elections. North Korea says it will put satellite into orbit February 24, 2009 at 9:54 am North Korea announced on Tuesday that it was preparing to shoot a satellite into orbit, in a launching that U.S. and South Korean officials have said would be a provocative test of the North's longest-range missile. NASA satellite fails to reach orbit February 24, 2009 at 9:54 am A NASA satellite to track carbon dioxide landed in the ocean, scuttling the $278 million mission. Former oligarch faces new charges in Moscow February 24, 2009 at 9:54 am Mikhail Khodorkovsky has been moved from a Siberian prison to Moscow for a trial on new charges of money laundering and fraud that could extend his prison time. Yves Saint Laurent art sells for €206 million February 24, 2009 at 9:54 am Christie's has scored an unprecedented triumph as it sold 59 Impressionist and Modern paintings, drawings and sculpture from the Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé collection. This painting, by Henri Matisse, set a third world record at €35.9 million. Former enemies share role in keeping Iraqi peace February 24, 2009 at 9:54 am As the clock runs down, the United States is shifting responsibility for counterinsurgency to Iraqis, replacing Americans with recent enemies as the vanguard of pacification. That Old Master? It's down at the pawnshop February 24, 2009 at 9:54 am A gallery at Art Capital Group holds works from artists and collectors as collateral. Art owners are realizing that a painting can bring in much-needed cash when used as collateral for a loan. David Brooks: Hope against faith February 24, 2009 at 9:54 am I fear that in trying to do everything at once, the Obama administration will do nothing well. Slumdog subtext February 24, 2009 at 9:54 am "Slumdog Millionaire" is also a tale of personal recompense for an Indian Muslim. Taking action after nuclear subs collide February 24, 2009 at 9:54 am Nuclear powers have been inexcusably negligent about reducing arsenals and eliminating needlessly risky practices.