Iranians go to the polls Iran is to hold elections for its municipal councils as well as the Assembly of Experts.
EU backs strict expansion rules European Union leaders have agreed that aspiring members must meet its tight entry criteria but said there should be no new obstacles to future expansion.
Siniora seeks Moscow's help Fouad Siniora, the Lebanese prime minister, has arrived in Russia to meet Vladimir Putin.
Assad: Europe has a Holocaust complex "Europe has a Holocaust complex, we don't because we didn't do it," Syrian President Bashar Assad was quoted as saying on Friday by the Italian newspaper.
Ban Ki-moon sworn in as UN chief South Korea's Ban Ki-moon has been sworn in as the next UN secretary general at a ceremony in New York.
Somali militants target Ethiopian troops Islamists in Somalia today distributed sermons calling for holy war amid fears the country is descending into a new cycle of violence.
Iran destabilises Mideast - EU The European Union accused Iran on Friday of destabilising the Middle East with its nuclear program and threats towards Israel.
Praying for New Chanukah Miracles Jews begin the eight-day Chanukah festival Friday night.
Rice hints Baker report to be snubbed US secretary of state tells Washington Post that US will not 'trade away' Lebanon to Syria nor allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons.