Washington (Associated Press): President George W. Bush, who came to power by a slim electoral margin and with little experience in foreign policy, suddenly finds himself in one of the deepest diplomatic crises of any recent American president.

Paris (Agence France-Presse): Hundreds of thousands of women all over the globe turned out to remind the world that they are still far from equal citizens on Saturday, with a looming war in Iraq adding extra anger to many protests.

Washington (Agencies): The diplomatic battle dividing the West intensified on Sunday as hte United States and France each scrambled to woo undecided Security Council members before a key United Nations vote on war in Iraq.

Singapore (Reuters): Some of the most dramatic and devastating attacks by Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda network were born in Asia, home to the world's biggest Muslim population.

Seoul (Reuters): North Korea fired a cruise missile into the Sea of Japan on Monday, ratcheting up tensions as it tries to force the United States into nuclear negotiations at a time when Washington's eyes are firmly on Iraq.

Manila (Agence France-Presse): Philippine President Gloria Arroyo said on Saturday her government will sue the Hong Kong government in Hong Kong courts over the wage cuts imposed on Filipina domestic workers there.

Washington (Associated Press): The Bush administration is confident it has found a novel, inexpensive way to clear overgrown forests and prevent catastrophic wildfires. Critics say it's a blatant giveaway to timber companies.

New York (Associated Press): In the past, Wall Street has enjoyed relief rallies after a long-anticipated war actually started. But the stock market shouldn't bet on that phenomenon happening if and when the United States begins military action against Iraq.

Washington (Reuters): A top panel of economists on Monday slashed its forecast for U.S. economic growth this year, saying the threat of war with Iraq was dampening consumer spending and business activity.

Dallas, Texas (Reuters): Dirk Nowitzki scored 21 points as the NBA's best team, the Dallas Mavericks, won its fourth straight game in convincing fashion, crushing the Utah Jazz 101-77 in NBA action on Saturday.