No image available
/ 1 December 2004
Iraq’s Shia parties have built a powerful political alliance uniting moderates with extremists and seem likely to dominate next month’s general election. The coalition, formed in weeks of private negotiations, will put forward a joint list of candidates.
No image available
/ 1 December 2004
George Bush’s victory in the United States presidential election will be challenged in Ohio’s supreme court on Wednesday, when a group of Democratic voters will allege widespread fraud. President Bush clinched re-election by winning the state of Ohio on November 2 by a margin of 136 000 votes over the Democratic candidate, John Kerry.
No image available
/ 1 December 2004
A United Nations panel has called for the UN’s main decision-making body, the security council, to be expanded from 15 to 24 members, giving broader representation to developing countries. The proposal is part of a package of 101 recommendations aimed at transforming the UN in an age of terrorism and in the wake of the international rifts over the Iraq invasion and occupation.
No image available
/ 1 December 2004
"Have you ever kissed another girl?" "Have you ever been to a prostitute?" "What, you really own porn?" "Why did you want to try it with two guys?" "You’re sure it doesn’t hurt?" "What does a lap dance feel like?" "Who had the biggest penis?" "Who was your best lover?" "Do you fantasise about my friends?" "Ever had an affair?" Everyone in a long-term relationship must ask or answer at least one of these questions at some point in the first year.
No image available
/ 1 December 2004
Earlier this year, <i>The Economist</i> asked whether or not India’s decade had at last arrived. Recent trends suggest it may be China’s, but with an average gross domestic product growth rate of almost 6% since 1992, and predictions of 8% for the foreseeable future, few have bet against India’s emergence as a global economic power. A proposed free trade agreement might not have much impact.
No image available
/ 1 December 2004
![]()
”It’s a question of money,” said one of the many truck drivers milling about the main border crossing between Benin and Togo. ”Most of the girls are simply after money, and if I decide it’ll be without a condom, then it’ll be without a condom.” As soon as school ends each day, teenage girls in this Togolese border town head for the border post to sell sweets, bread and sometimes more, to the 1Â 000-odd truckers and travellers who pass through each day.
No image available
/ 1 December 2004
In a city awash with social problems, Grupo Mexico appears to be on the mend. The mud tracks are now paved, the armed guards who used to control the two entry points to the neighbourhood are gone, and the gangs only make their presence felt at night. But the area is still pitifully poor, its inhabitants scarred by drugs, guns and sexual violence.
No image available
/ 1 December 2004
Okay, so she likes invading countries, killing thousands of innocent civilians, and imposing United States-style capitalism across the globe. But, that aside, you have to admit it: Condoleezza Rice is one helluva lady. Even the US president looked terrified of her as he gave her a nervous, faltering peck on the cheek at the announcement of his new secretary of state, writes Joseph Harker.
No image available
/ 1 December 2004
Hashim Amla came to India hoping to soak in the country’s rich culture. Instead, he was stumped by it’s passion for cricket. The first cricketer of Indian origin to represent South Africa in Tests, the 21-year-old made his debut in front of his proud father at the Eden Gardens stadium this week.
No image available
/ 1 December 2004
![]()
The captains of the Test-playing nations issued a joint statement in support of the fight against HIV/Aids on Tuesday. As part of international cricket’s partnership with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/Aids, and to coincide with World Aids Day, the captains have united to make a Captains’ Pledge to fight the disease and raise awareness.