AP - President Nicolas Sarkozy criticized Iranian leaders for their handling of contested elections and their nuclear program, and pleaded for a new push for peace in the Middle East in a sweeping diplomatic strategy speech Wednesday.

Reuters - U.S. consumer confidence fell to its lowest level in four months in August on worries over high unemployment and dismal personal finances, though the mood improved from earlier this month, a survey showed on Friday.

AP - Paris is counting on American tourists ? and a new law allowing more stores to open on Sundays ? to boost tourism revenues pinched by the global financial downturn.

AP - Shares of Blockbuster Inc. jumped Friday after the chain said it sold Irish entertainment retailer Xtra-vision Ltd. in a deal valued at up to $45 million.

AFP - London stocks fell slightly at the start of trading on Wednesday after yesterday’s advances on the back of ten-month high oil prices and positive consumer confidence figures in the US.

Reuters - U.S. consumer confidence fell to its lowest level in four months in August on worries over high unemployment and dismal personal finances, though the mood improved from earlier this month, a survey showed on Friday.

AP - German airline Air Berlin PLC said Tuesday its net profit fell about 9 percent in the second quarter as the global economic downturn continued to weigh on air travel.

AP - Turkey’s military indicated Tuesday that it would back government efforts to grant more rights to Kurds and improve the economy of their region.

AP - While investors go into the new week believing the economy is indeed emerging from recession, they still need to see more solid evidence of a rebound.

AP - Investors balked at extending the market’s recent rally Friday despite an improved outlook from Intel Corp.