- Payroll tax deal close: Why did Republicans back down?
- Israel says Bangkok, Delhi, and Tbilisi attacks all linked – to Iran
- Rick Santorum's new machine-gun ad: Will it work? (+video)
- As Sarkozy seeks new term, French are wary of 'Merkozy' (+video)
- Honduras prison fire kills more than 300, highlights regional problem (+video)
This week's look ahead
• Monday, Feb. 5
Havana – International meeting of Economists on Globalization and Development Problems, includes mostly leftist economists.
London – 15 think tanks and nongovernmental organizations release report on diplomatic solutions to international standoff over Iran's nuclear program.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahahtir Mohamad holds a peace conference to discuss making any war a crime.
• Tuesday, Feb. 6
Cape Town, South Africa – Chinese President Hu Jintao visits. His eight-nation African tour ends Friday in the Seychelles.
• Thursday, Feb. 8
Beijing – Six-nation talks resume on ending North Korea's nuclear weapons program.
Frankfurt – European Central Bank's governing council meets to set interest rates for 13-nation eurozone.
• Friday, Feb. 9
Sihanoukville, Cambodia – First port visit by US Navy warship at Cambodia's main seaport in more than 30 years.
• Sunday, Feb. 11
Lisbon – National referendum on making abortion legal.
Dublin, Ireland – First rugby match ever played in Croke Park, Ireland's citadel for Gaelic sports. It has banned British sports since Gaelic Athletic Association was founded in 1884.
David Clark Scott
World editor



