For the first time in years, a cheerful Christmas in Bethlehem
Encouraged by renewed peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, Christian pilgrims from around the world converged on Jesus' traditional birthplace Monday to celebrate Christmas ??a palpable contrast to the sparse crowds of recent years.
- Israel delays decision on broadening definition of Palestinian prisoners who can be freed
MIT spinoff's little green laptop computers a hit in remote Peruvian village
Doubts about whether poor, rural children can benefit from quirky computers evaporate quickly in an Andean village, where 50 children got machines from the One Laptop Per Child project months ago.
Home on holiday, the Lebanese say, what turmoil?
The Lebanese diaspora reverses itself on holidays, as migrants return from jobs across the globe to spend time with their families. Nothing will deter them.
- Lebanon's government approves amendment bill allowing army chief to be president
Giuliani hits rocky stretch as vote nears
Rudolph Giuliani's presidential campaign has been damaged by missteps, sharp shifts in strategy and reports about his personal life.
- Giuliani reads Christmas story, says he is 'cancer free'
U.S. aid plan for tribal areas in Pakistan is threatened
The ambitious $750 million five-year plan is imperiled by unresolved questions about whether the money could fall into the wrong hands in the restive region.
- U.S. officials see waste in billions sent to Pakistan
On Wall Street, Merrill Lynch leads the markets higher
Stock markets moved higher after Merrill Lynch announced a $6.2 billion investment from the Singapore government and a mutual fund manager.
Thai party says it can form coalition
A party that backs former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said that it had enough allies in parliament to form a government.
- Pro-Thaksin party wins vote in Thailand
Decades later, the notion that crack is far more dangerous than cocaine is widely disputed
During some of the bloodiest years of the drug wars of the 1980s, crack was seen as far more dangerous than powdered cocaine, and that perception was written into the sentencing laws. But now that notion is under attack like never before.
Iran and Russia meet to discuss defense cooperation
Iran and Russia discussed defense cooperation, the official IRNA news agency reported Monday, as ties between the two countries have been increasingly flourishing.
- Iraqi officials say that Iran wants to hold ambassadorial-level talks with U.S. over Iraq
In Kentucky's teeth, toll of poverty and neglect
About half the population in Kentucky does not have dental insurance, and 1 in 10 residents are missing all their teeth.
Queen Elizabeth to broadcast Christmas message on YouTube channel
The royal family is gamely embracing brave new gadgetry. Queen Elizabeth has started a new channel on YouTube ??the Royal Channel ??and will use it to broadcast her Christmas address on Tuesday.
Early odds in U.S. presidential race
If the Democrats choose their nominee first, they have better chances for getting the White House.
IHT global sports forum with Christopher Clarey: Part I
The annual year-end, year-ahead sports forum with Christopher Clarey.
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