WORLD AGENDA OCTOBER 2008

October 1, Baghdad: The United States begins to transfer control of the Awakening Councils, made up of Sunni former insurgents who turned against al-Qaeda, to Iraq. The 100,000 ÒSons of IraqÓ are credited with playing a key role in bringing about a nationwide drop in violence.

Oct 2, United States: The fevered Presidential election campaign hits a new high when the RepublicansÕ surprise choice of running mate, Sarah Palin, faces Democrat Joe Biden in the Vice Presidential candidatesÕ debate in St Louis.

Oct 2, Global: Gloomy news from the International Monetary FundÕs twice-yearly forecast which is set to predict further slowing of the global economy. The sharp decrease in growth as high commodity prices put pressure on inflation is set to intensify, according to the report.

Oct 4, Maldives: Democracy arrives on the 1,200-island cluster, best known as a luxury holiday destination, when the archipelago holds its first ever multi-party presidential elections. President Maumoon Gayoom, accused of crushing dissent, is AsiaÕs longest serving leader after 30 years in power.

Oct 7, London: A 1,000-year-old rock crystal ewer made for the court of the Fatimid rulers of Cairo in the late 10th century, and further embellished with gold mounts in 1854, is expected to fetch more than £3 million at ChristieÕs, having been valued at just £100-£200 in January after being mistakenly identified as a French claret jug. The ewer is one of only seven fully-carved examples known to survive.

Oct 10, Tbilisi: The deadline for Russia to withdraw its troops from GeorgiaÕs heartland following its invasion of the ex-Soviet country in August. The pullout is designed to follow the October 1 arrival of at least 200 European Union ceasefire monitors.

Oct 10, Cape Canaveral: NASAÕs fifth and final power servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope is due to be launched, leaving the orbital observatory with a full suite of instruments for the first time since 1993.

Oct 25, Berlin: Hunting rifles and pistols that once belonged to Erich Honecker, the leader of East Germany, go under the hammer. Memorabilia for the former Communist state, where there was almost no private gun ownership, remains in great demand.

Oct (undated), Brussels: The European Parliament votes on proposals to use 1 billion euros in the EUÕs unspent farm budget, to buy seeds and fertiliser for African farmers. Germany, the budgetÕs largest contributor, objects to the plan.

Oct (undated), Delhi: The Indian parliament debates tough new measures to deal with acid attacks. The victims, usually women who have rejected lovers or husbands, are often disfigured for life while perpetrators frequently get away with minor punishments, say campaigners.
/ENDS