U.S. intelligence agencies are working on a new assessment of the security situation in Afghanistan. So far the news is not good. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

Taliban resurgence

Anchor Lisa Mullins has the latest on what's happening in the world's financial markets. Lisa also speaks with Richard Thaler from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, about the way financial markets in different parts of the globe feed on each other's reactions.

The BBC News website asked people to send in poems about the most pressing issue of the day. Readers of the site sent in their thoughts on the global credit crunch. (mp3)

Global financial crisis

Today on The World: We examine the way financial markets in different parts of the globe feed off each other's reactions; Also, a look at how the 1991 Persian Gulf War ended its part 4 in our series on How Wars End; And a female singer from Iran got around Iran's legal restrictions on female singers.

As part of its election coverage, the BBC is sending a specially designed bus across the States, to cover the final weeks of presidential campaigning.

Traveling from Los Angeles to New York, the bus will cover over 4,000 kilometers and pass through 15 states.

The BBC's journalists on board, from radio, tv and online, aim to build up a detailed and unique picture of America ahead of the election.

On the Bus

The Election in Many Languages

Video Diary

An Arab-American born in Brooklyn and passionate about politics explains why she went from being a staunch Obama supporter to a reluctant one.

Hear what English language Iraqi bloggers are saying, inside and outside their country.

The World's Aaron Schachter introduces us to a new type of steel drum designed in Berne, Switzerland. That's the answer to the Geo Quiz. The instrument is called the hang.

A trio of Muslims comics say Allah made them funny -- and they're out to show audiences just that. Anchor Lisa Mullins has details.

Online extra: Azhar Usman is one of three American Muslims who appear in "Allah made funny"
Listen to an excerpt

Winston Churchill wrote about political confidence, financial stability and the future of the United States. The World's Alex Gallafent shares a few apposite quotations with anchor Lisa Mullins.

The World's Jeb Sharp takes us back to the First World War for part three of our series on "How wars end".

American charge in WWI

Series page with audio and transcripts