Global Economy
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World stock markets struggled for a second straight day, while tanking futures for U.S. stock indexes point to a bad day on Wall Street.
Asia
Militants have begun attacking U.S. supply lines in Pakistan.
Noted Chinese economist Lin Yifu will be tapped to fill a senior position at the World Bank, the Financial Times reports. Currently, Lin runs a think tank at Peking University that advises the central government.
China's GDP growth likely cooled to a "mere" 11.3 percent in the fourth quarter. Economist surveyed by Bloomberg News expect China's economy to grow by 10.5 percent in 2008.
Middle East
Facing growing international criticism, Israel is allowing fuel, cooking gas, food, and medicine into Gaza. Fewer rockets are being fired, Israeli leaders say.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei publicly rebuked Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, intervening to overturn the president's decision on a rural gas-supply shortage.
An IED attack in Iraq is raising questions about the U.S. military's new mine-resistant vehicle.
Europe
Italian PM Romano Prodi faces a no-confidence vote after a key ally quit his governing coalition.
Europe's economy is starting to suffer from the U.S. subprime mortgage debacle. Additionally, exporters have been hit hard by the euro's meteoric rise.
The United States is beginning to leave Europe in the dust when it comes to investment in green technology.
2008 U.S. Election
Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and John Edwards tangled in a debate in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Elsewhere
California is sending its first official trade mission to Cuba.
Mexico is going on the offensive in the drug war.
A new study by Bidwells Agribusiness warns that high food prices are likely here to stay.
Global elites trust business more than government or the media, a new survey has found.
Today's Agenda
- The permanent five members of the U.N. Security Council are meeting in Berlin to discuss sanctions against Iran.
- The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announces the Oscar nominees for 2008.
- Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf meets with French President Nicolas Sarkozy in Paris.
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