East-West Seasons

The latest world headlines from BBC News

Rice in Libya for historic visit

Condoleezza Rice arrives in Libya to meet Col Gaddafi in the latest step aimed at improving relations between the former enemies.

US job losses worse than expected

The US economy shed 84,000 jobs last month, more than expected, raising the jobless rate to a near five-year high.

Universal flu vaccine tests start

A universal flu vaccine which could mean an end to the annual flu jab is being trialled on UK volunteers.

Flooded Haitians 'in dire need'

The UN says severe storms that have hit Haiti in recent weeks have left some 600,000 people in desperate need of help.

McCain vows to fight to change US

John McCain promises "change is coming" as he accepts the Republican party's candidacy for the White House.

Global economy woes shake markets

Worsening US job figures heighten fears of a global economic slowdown - undermining stock markets around the world.

Malaysia deploys navy to Somalia

Malaysia sends three navy ships to the coast of Somalia to protect merchant vessels from piracy.

Angolans vote in landmark polls

There are scenes of confusion as Angolans vote in their first election in 16 years, following the end of the war.

Swede 'held in cabin for years'

A woman may have been locked up in a cabin in southern Sweden for nine years, local newspapers report.

13 golf balls are removed... from inside a Labrador

A labrador has 13 golf balls removed from its stomach after eating them at a Fife golf course.

Ferdinand to miss England opener

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand will miss England's opening World Cup qualifier against Andorra on Saturday.

Shearer cool on Newcastle vacancy

Alan Shearer appears to rule himself out of the vacant manager's job at Newcastle, calling the club's structure "strange".

'Master plan'

Pakistan's future if presidential favourite wins

Wheelchair life

Challenges facing China's disabled as Paralympics loom

Day in pictures

Most striking images from around the world

Fight for rights

Iranian women struggle against restrictions

Water and grief

Aid worker recounts horror of India's monsoon floods

It's quiz time!

What was action-man Putin up to in Siberia?

'Dozens die' in Mozambique fires

Bush fires in central Mozambique kill at least 32 people and injured hundreds more.

Disgraced US sprinter leaves jail

US sprinter Marion Jones leaves prison after serving a six-month sentence for lying about steroid use and involvement in a drugs fraud case.

Critics dismiss Thai referendum

A national referendum proposed by the Thai prime minister to end the political deadlock is dismissed as a stalling tactic.

Ukraine 'must live without fear'

The US vice-president reassures Ukraine that the US has a "deep and abiding interest" in the country's security.

Hezbollah says it shot helicopter

Hezbollah in Lebanon acknowledges it was responsible for the shooting down of a Lebanese army helicopter.

US bomb 'kills five in Pakistan'

At least five people are killed in another suspected US missile strike in Pakistan's border region, officials say.

Benn denies fuel bill cave-in

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn denies ministers "caved in" to energy firms over cash rebates for soaring fuel bills.

Nokia expects market share loss

Nokia lowers its predicted market share for the third quarter, sending its shares plummeting.

Down's signs 'seen in stem cells'

Scientists in London have traced the embryonic changes that occur in children with Down's syndrome

'Jules Verne' awaits final voyage

Europe's space freighter will undock from the International Space Station on Friday after completing its mission to the orbiting platform.

Rapper West to make MTV comeback

Hip-hop star Kanye West is to close the MTV Music Video Awards, a year after complaining about failing to win a single prize at the event.

One Laptop signs up with Amazon

Online retailer Amazon will help the One Laptop Per Child organisation with its plans to sell its XO laptop in the US.

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