Matt Frei, presenter of BBC World News America, dissects the row over Barack Obama's remarks about putting "lipstick on a pig".

Hope is thin on the ground as England fans arrive in Zagreb ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Croatia.

The BBC's Kevin Connolly considers the prospect of a Democratic campaign without Ted Kennedy, who is seriously ill.

BBC Middle East correspondent Tim Franks sends the latest edition of his diary.

England draw the final Test against Sri Lanka in Galle but they lose the series 1-0.

The new leader of the Liberal Democrats has some pretty big challenges ahead of him, writes Nick Assinder.

World media reaction to the US intelligence report suggesting that Iran had suspended nuclear weapons programme is divided.

Sir Menzies Campbell's position as Lib Dem leader was fatally undermined after election was called off, says Nick Assinder.

Sir Menzies Campbell's end-of-conference speech had elements of a leadership contest.

Cricket's popularity is soaring in Afghanistan, reports the BBC's Soutik Biswas from Kabul.

The decision to sell the final instalment of Harry Potter in Israel on the Sabbath provokes a religious outcry.

Bill and Hillary Clinton are accused of hypocrisy for criticising the clemency granted to an ex-White House aide.

Sudha G Tilak on how cult regional star Rajnikanth has made India's most expensive film a huge hit.

Friday's papers are unimpressed with George W Bush's plans for climate change talks.

How do you highlight the plight of Britain's millions of pensioners, many of whom are bored and lonely? Put them into a rock band and let their charisma speak for itself, says Tim Samuels, the creator of pop's most unlikely sensation - the Zimmers.

The Indian press argues over the controversy surrounding Shilpa Shetty in Celebrity Big Brother.

A man who sued New York City after police confiscated a pet tiger and alligator from his flat has his case dismissed.

Newspapers in Israel take a cynical and often wry look at the official campaign for the 28 March general election which got under way on Tuesday.

Mark Duff looks at the problems facing Romano Prodi - the main rival to Silvio Berlusconi in Italy's April election.

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