The World's Patrick Cox looks back at an odd moment in the Bush Presidency. It's when Mr. Bush appeared to compare himself to Graham Greene's fictional character Alden Pyle from "The Quiet American."

The World's Matthew Bell reports on how Iraq will factor in shaping President Bush's legacy.

Palestinians have conducted weekly protests in the West Bank since the conflict in Gaza began. People are calling for solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza. But the Palestinian Authority is said to have tight control of the protests...and may have its own agenda. The World's Quil Lawrence reports from Ramallah.

A new study today in the medical journal, The Lancet, found that the collapse of the Soviet Union led to higher death rates in many former communist countries. It concludes that the rapid privatization of state-run companies was a major factor behind the surging death rates. Anchor Lisa Mullins finds out more from the study's lead author study, David Stuckler.

Today the BBC launched a new Persian-language television service...and it will be seen inside Iran. Reporter Cyrus Farivar has the story.

No matter how you want to celebrate the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama, there's a party out there for you. The World's Lisa Mullins and Carol Hills discuss the many galas going on around the country.

Anchor Lisa Mullins speaks with Israeli historian and columnist Tom Segev. He says he used to be optimistic about the prospects for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Now he says his optimism has been replaced by pragmatism.

The World's Aaron Schachter reports on how the Gaza conflict may be a boon for Islamic radicals in the Middle East, now that Iraq has settled down a bit.

Gaza conflict

Today on The World: we hear how the Gaza conflict may be a boon for Islamic militants in the Middle East; also, an Israeli writer tells us he once believed that peace with the Palestinians was possible, but he no longer does; and we explore how Iraq will play in shaping President Bush's legacy.

Anchor Lisa Mullins tells us about a band called Fatima Spar and the Freedom Fries. They're based in Vienna, Austria -- and their new album is called "Trust."