Venezuela's US-based oil firm Citgo reverses Monday's decision to scrap a scheme providing heating oil to poor US families.

Assassinated politician Benazir Bhutto is sorely missed in Pakistan a year after her assassination, the BBC's Barbara Plett reports.

Technology editor Darren Waters looks back at the year in the world of gaming consoles.

Pope Benedict XVI calls for peace in the Middle East and stability in Africa in his Christmas Day message from the Vatican.

The BBC News website takes a look at some of the political words and phrases that made the headlines in 2008.

India will start the final day of the first Test on 131-1 chasing 387 to beat England, following a stunning innings from Virender Sehwag.

Key facts, figures and dates

The BBC's Richard Lister looks at what cost Republican John McCain the White House in 2008.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is to travel to DR Congo to push forward efforts at ending the conflict there.

Barack Obama's campaign announces that it is buying airtime in North Dakota, Georgia and Arizona, his rival's home state.

Afghan women's representatives call on President Karzai not to undermine their position by talking to the Taleban.

Two convicted murderers are hanged in Japan despite criticisms of the country's stepped-up pace of executions.

International media watchdogs condemn the 20-year jail term given to an Afghan journalism student for blasphemy.

Air traffic is grounded, public services grind to a halt, and there are some clashes, as Greeks join a nationwide strike.

John McCain launched a flurry of attacks on Barack Obama, some on target, during Wednesday's debate but will they be enough to win over undecided voters, wonders Newsweek's Andrew Romano.

Thousands demonstrate in Peru calling for a change to the government's economic policies and an end to corruption.

The Tories pledge to allow 400 top performing state schools to become independent state-funded Academies.

A running commentary on the first US presidential debate between Republican candidate John McCain and his Democratic opponent Barack Obama.

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GB's wheelchair athlete David Weir has his gold medal reinstated after a protest over the lane order is overturned.