US prepares formal extradition proceedings against Roman Polanski

Prosecutors prepared formal extradition proceedings yesterday against Roman Polanski, the film director detained in a Swiss prison for having sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old girl more than 30 years ago.

Angela Merkel?s win greeted with jubilation by investors

Investors reacted positively yesterday to the election of Germany?s first centre-right government for 11 years.

The West is stuck with Hamid Karzai but it can still fight corruption

Grudgingly, the international community has had to accept that Hamid Karzai will probably be the President of Afghanistan for another five-year term.

Shoemakers seek protection as retailers call for change in Brussels

A trade dispute over tariffs on cheap Chinese shoes is brewing at the European Commission as Italian and Spanish footwear manufacturers prepare to fight for continued European protection against Far Eastern imports.

Barack Obama to fly to Copenhagen to push Chicago?s bid for 2016 Olympics

His in-tray may be creaking under the weight of nuclear disarmament, the global recession and healthcare reform, but President Obama will be forced to fly 8,000 miles this week in a dramatic effort to win the 2016 Olympic Games for Chicago.

Even Russia accepts that sanctions against Iran are inevitable

Western powers have a difficult juggling act to perform while considering what sanctions to press against Iran. Punishment for punishment?s sake will please no one, much as Tehran might be seen to deserve it. Sanctions must succeed in forcing Iran back into proper negotiations over its nuclear programme, while at the same time winning the support of Russia and China who remain sceptical of many measures.

Merkel victory will nudge Europe to the right - but don't expect drama

Angela Merkel?s victory will push Europe to the right in an understated but significant way. That will not be because of any new and dramatic move on the European stage.

Angela Merkel and Guido Westerwelle prepare to shape new German Government

The election campaign was over but Angela Merkel was still making promises. ?It?s not going to be boring,? she said yesterday, referring to her proposed new Government between the conservative Christian Democrats and the smaller but pivotal pro-business party, the Free Democrats.

Philippines seeks international help after Manila floods as more storms predicted

The Philippines appealed for international assistance yesterday as authorities struggled to cope with deadly floods that inundated the capital Manila ? with more storms forecast in coming days.

Iran's missiles are ?ready to destroy Israel?

Iran warned Israel yesterday that it faces destruction if it attacks the Islamic republic, only hours after Tehran provocatively test-fired missiles capable of hitting targets across the Middle East.

Silvio Berlusconi targets Michelle Obama in new 'suntan' gibe

Most world leaders try to avoid repeating gaffes. Not Silvio Berlusconi. The Italian Prime Minister has called President Obama ?tanned? again ? but this time he did not miss the opportunity to joke about the First Lady?s skin colour as well.

A man who takes almost suicidal risks

It was one of those well-lubricated film premiere parties, where the producers and cast engage in some gentle promotion of their product and strains of music and laughter can be heard coming from the party?s VIP sanctum until the early hours. The occasion was the 1982 Dutch release of Tess, the lavish adaptation of Thomas Hardy?s novel that had won three Oscars at the previous year?s Academy Awards. Although a glittering line-up, led by the young Nastassja Kinski, adorned the occasion, the film?s director Roman Polanski was notable by his absence.

Man dies after bees escape hives in crash

A teenager died and more than 20 people were injured when swarms of bees escaped from their hives after the van transporting them crashed into a lorry and overturned on a motorway near the resort of Marmaris, in southern Turkey.

Third World population controls won't save climate, study claims

The population explosion in poor countries will contribute little to climate change and is a dangerous distraction from the main problem of over-consumption in rich nations, a study has found.

Britons on cycling trip drowned in Vietnam as cruise ship sinks in storm

They had planned to cycle around the world in a trip that would last more than a year and raise thousands of pounds for charity. But yesterday the two young British travellers were confirmed to have been among five passengers who drowned when a cruise ship sank in a storm in the South China Sea.