Germany: Merkel ahead in tight vote
Angela Merkel's German conservatives have won the election by just three seats, falling short of a governing majority, provisional results show.
Israel: Troops lower flags over Gaza
Israel has lowered its flags over Gaza and its last troops have begun to pull out, 38 years after it captured the narrow coastal strip.
US: ‘Spirit of 9/11’ for New Orleans
President George W Bush has urged national unity following the Hurricane Katrina disaster and invoked the US response to the 9/11 attacks.
UK: Vaccine plan to ‘save millions’
The UK and its European counterparts have a plan to save the lives of 10 million children in developing countries.
Israel: Gaza pullout ‘may end Monday’
According to Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz, Israeli troops may complete their withdrawal from the Gaza Strip on Monday, three days ahead of schedule.
Saddam ‘confesses’ according to Iraq head
Saddam Hussein has confessed to crimes during his regime - including executions - and deserves to die, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani has said.
Russia: No third term for Putin
The Russian President, Vladimir Putin, has denied planning to change the constitution to stay in office for a third term.
India: Kashmir troops down
India's troop levels will be slashed in Indian-administered Kashmir if there is an end to violence, the prime minister's spokesman says.
US: Security in New Orleans ‘restored’
The US says it is now in control of New Orleans, six days after Hurricane Katrina.
China: Japan’s WWII defeat marked
War veterans from around the world have joined China in marking the defeat of Japan and the end of World War II 60 years ago.