The recession and a shortage of police could be paving the way for a rural ‘crime wave’ in the UK as theft figures spiral.

Reclusive Swiss architect Peter Zumthor has been given the most prestigious award in the field, the Pritzker Prize. Renowned for his understated perfectionism, Zumthor eschews fashion to create simple, elegant buildings, often in remote areas.

Around 15,000 people gathered to watch a beautiful total eclipse shroud parts of Siberia in complete darkness today. The eclipse passed last over China.

With the credit crunch, sub-prime crisis, the collapse of the Doha talks and an apparent global recession, for how long can the shaky foundations of globalisation survive?

Gary Mckinnon - a UK citizen - has lost his case against extradition to the USA to face trial over his hacking of the Pentagon and NASA computer systems.

Zimbabwe has revalued its currency in a bid to ease the huge inflationary pressures - the highest in the world - that are causing mass destitution in the country.

Silvio Berlusconi's reelection as Italian leader earlier this year has seen the rampant spread of neo-fascist language, politics and emotion - as well as spiralling violence and racism .

The trial of Salim Hamdan - a driver for Osama Bin Laden who the US allege knew much about his operations - is currently being undertaken by military tribunal.

Ehud Olmert has called for leadership elections in Israel as he vows to fight the corruption charges that have dogged his premiership.

A video showing a dress rehearsal of the Beijing games opening ceremony has been unexpectedly released on Korean television.

Seven years of protracted trade negotiations between WTO members have ended as divisions between the US and India proved intractable.