Violence a political danger for Chávez
Many Venezuelans who once supported the Hugo Chavez are now considering a vote against the president's candidates because of the government's hapless response to rising crime rates.
Israeli tanks rumble into Gaza
Israeli tanks forged into the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday, drawing rocket and mortar fire from Palestinian militants, militant groups said.
Administration moves to protect appointees
Political appointees are shifted to career civil service posts as the Bush administration tries to maintain its regulatory initiatives.
Iraq sets date for long-awaited elections
Iraq said that it will hold long-awaited provincial elections on Jan. 31, a step forward for U.S.-backed efforts to promote reconciliation, although a key northern area will not participate.
NYT: Bill Clinton's dealings under review
Aides to Barack Obama said the president-elect would not formally offer Hillary Rodham Clinton a Cabinet post unless he was satisfied that Bill Clinton's activities would not pose a conflict.
Experts warn of water shortages by 2080
Half the world's population could face a shortage of clean water by 2080 because of climate change, experts warned Tuesday.
Tanker taken to Somali pirate stronghold
Pirates who seized a Saudi supertanker loaded with $100 million in crude oil anchored the ship within sight of impoverished Somali fishing villages Tuesday.
Germans unearth Stone Age family
A Stone Age burial in central Germany has yielded the earliest evidence of people living together as a family.
Congo rebels announce pullback
Rebels in east Democratic Republic of Congo announced a military pullback on Tuesday to support a U.N. peace initiative.
Asia stocks sink as layoffs add to gloom
Asian stock markets sank after Wall Street retreated and global financial firms announced another round of massive layoffs, adding to gloom about the world economy. European stocks traded lower.
