The latest news on the Bailout, India, U.S. Markets, International Markets, Baghdad, Vice-Presidential Debate, North Korea, Burma, Global Financial Crisis, Israel-Palestine, Economy, and Afghanistan.

Sign up to receive our daily news summary via e-mail »

Bailout. Bailout may face showdown Friday "House leaders plan to press rank-and-file members today for the dozen or so converts they need to pass the financial bailout bill." Bailout drama shifts back to House - and Pelosi "After the Senate voted 74-25 Wednesday night to approve a historic $700 billion bailout of the nation's financial industry, the focus will move to the Democratic House speaker, Nancy Pelosi. With a House vote coming as soon as Friday, she will face the toughest test of her two-year leadership tenure as she tries to persuade skeptical colleagues to approve the largest financial bailout in U.S. history." House braces for second try at financial bailout plan "Latest version of the legislation, which cleared the Senate Wednesday, includes enticements such as tax-break extensions and consumer perks." Pressure Builds on House After Senate Backs Bailout "The Senate strongly endorsed the plan, leaving backers hopeful that the easy approval, along with popular enticements, would lead to quick House passage."

India. U.S. passes India nuclear pact "The U.S. senate overturns 30-year ban on civilian nuclear trade with New Delhi." Congress approves U.S.-India nuclear deal "Supporters say the trade agreement would give the U.S. a strategic partner in a volatile region." India stampede toll rises to 168 "The death toll in a stampede of thousands of pilgrims at a Hindu temple here rose to 168, officials said Tuesday, and a false rumor of a bomb was blamed for causing the panic."

U.S. Markets. U.S. markets wary over rescue package "U.S. stocks open lower amid caution over whether the House of Representatives will back a revised Wall Street rescue plan." As Credit Crisis Spiraled, Alarm Led to Action "During a 36-hour period two weeks ago, the fissures opening in the worldwide financial system convinced policy makers that they needed to act quickly."

International Markets. Europe markets stable after U.S. vote "Continent's indices makes slight gains after U.S. senate approves $700bn bank rescue plan." Egypt hopes for US market revival "Analysts seek a U.S. president who is equipped to solve the global financial crisis." U.S. turmoil churns up an ill wind worldwide "Across Asia, people are watching the U.S. financial crisis the way coastal residents regard an approaching Category 5 hurricane." Why Asia isn't buying the Senate bailout "Investors are worried that spendthrift Americans are about to become more frugal, adversely affecting producers in Asia who rely on external demand."

Baghdad. Deadly attacks hit Baghdad mosques "Several worshippers killed in bombings close to mosques in the Iraqi capital." Baghdad shaken by suicide attacks "Suicide bombers strike two Shia mosques in Baghdad, killing at least 20 people and wounding more, police say." Blasts kill 20 Shiite worshippers in Iraq as they mark Eid "Two suicide bombers targeting Shiite worshipers killed at least 20 people and injured dozens more at Baghdad mosques Thursday morning, officials said. Both attacks took place around 8 a.m. in south east Baghdad, about four miles apart. They came as Shiites marked the first day of Eid, a three-day celebration that follows Ramadan, Islam's holy month." Bombs kill 19 near Shiite mosques, Iraqi police report "Suicide bombers targeted Shiite worshippers as they left morning prayers today at two Baghdad mosques, killing 19 people and injuring 50 others, police said."

Vice-Presidential Debate. U.S. election diary: The Palin factor "Al Jazeera's Rob Reynolds on Thursday's vice-presidential debate." A pair of challenges "Sarah Palin and Joe Biden face off tonight in the only vice presidential debate." VP debate could be politically pivotal "Tonight's high-stakes event comes at a critical time. Palin needs to shore up her deteriorating image, while Biden needs to engage middle America." Poll signals Palin may be hurting Republican ticket "Meanwhile, her Democratic opponent isn't quite 'average Joe' when it comes to finances. Tonight, the two debate." An Everyman on the Trail, Perks at Home "Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr., pictured greeting fellow commuters on the train, has benefited from resources and relationships not available to average Americans." The V.P. Debate: What to Watch for "Both substance and style will be scrutinized as Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr. debates Gov. Sarah Palin tonight."

North Korea. U.S. envoy extends N Korea visit "U.S. envoy Christopher Hill extends his visit to North Korea as he tries to rescue a troubled nuclear disarmament deal."

Burma. Burma opposition figure arrested "Ohn Kyaing, a prominent ally of the detained pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, is arrested in Burma."

Global Financial Crisis. European summit on finance crisis "French president Nicolas Sarkozy's office announces an emergency summit of European leaders on the global financial crisis."

Israel-Palestine. 'Hundreds join' settler violence "Hundreds of settlers are engaged in violence against Palestinians and soldiers, a senior Israeli commander says." Israel seeks to purchase F-35 fighter jets "The $15-billion Joint Strike Fighter sale would be the first to a country outside the nine-nation development group."

Economy. Tough economy hits home "Some local businesses are cutting back overtime and considering trimming staff." Credit freeze puts businesses on thin ice "Firms small and large face drastic cutbacks as banks decline to lend the money that keeps the wheels of commerce turning."

Afghanistan. More U.S. troops needed in Afghanistan 'quickly,' general says "The commander of NATO forces cites a higher level of violence and insecurity in calling for additional forces. 'We're in a very tough fight,' he says." Trio of warlords blamed for surge in Afghanistan violence "The three men, who sometimes cooperate with one another, work largely unhindered from bases in Pakistan. U.S. strikes against them have proved futile." Police officer in Afghanistan kills U.S. soldier "Officials don't know why the policeman in Paktia province turned on the forces. Elsewhere, a bomb kills 3 coalition troops."