Hollande And Sarkozy Head To Runoff In French Race -- New York Times
PARIS — The Socialist candidate, François Hollande, won a narrow victory in Sunday’s first round of France’s presidential elections, riding promises of economic growth and a general dislike for the incumbent, Nicolas Sarkozy, into a favorable position before a runoff with Mr. Sarkozy on May 6.
The strong showing by the left and anger on the political extremes seemed to reflect a desire for change in France after 17 years of centrist, conservative presidents. And it could continue an anti-incumbency trend that began with the economic crisis in Western Europe, where center-right governments dominate from Britain to Spain to Germany.
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MIDDLE EAST
EU set to impose new sanctions on Syria.
Fighting in Syria kills 17; UN monitors expand visits.
Military chief: Israel increases covert operations.
Iran optimistic, sees progress at Baghdad nuclear talks.
Iraqi premier starts talks in Iran.
Yemen says 18 Al-Qaeda militants killed in clashes with army.
Egypt scraps Israel gas supply deal.
Report: Iran unplugs oil terminal from Internet.
ASIA
US, Afghanistan reach deal on strategic pact. U.S., Afghanistan near vital deal on future ties. US to defend Afghanistan for decade after drawdown.
North Korea threatens Seoul with military action. N. Korea threatens military strike against S. Korean president.
China, NKorea reaffirm ties after rocket test.
Aung San Suu Kyi refuses to take seat in Burma's parliament.
Philippines warns neighbours about China.
Naval exchange stirs troubled waters in South China Sea.
Sudan war planes bomb South Sudan town. Sudan launches attack into South Sudan's borders. Sudan president Omar al-Bashir says no more talks with South. Sudan leader visits border town of Heglig.
Mali's new leader aays talks with rebels possible.
Rumble in the jungle as Ugandan army hunts Kony.
Nigeria Islamist militants 'killed by own bombs'.
Sarkozy faces runoff in France elections.
Dutch prime minister, Cabinet resign. Dutch coalition to quit in budget row: sources. Holland, not Hollande, is Europe's latest worry.
Ukraine opposition parties unite for election.
Anglican official: Front-runner for top church job victim of 'naked racism'.
Hugo Chavez keeps a low profile in Cuba for cancer treatment.
Argentinian president, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, rejects criticism over YPF nationalisation.
Colombia seizes two tonnes of 'Farc rebel cocaine'.
Mexican ex-general once accused of narco ties is shot dead.
Radical left at crossroads in Latin America.
Secret Service director survives scandal,
North Korea threatens Seoul with military action. N. Korea threatens military strike against S. Korean president.
China, NKorea reaffirm ties after rocket test.
Aung San Suu Kyi refuses to take seat in Burma's parliament.
Philippines warns neighbours about China.
Naval exchange stirs troubled waters in South China Sea.
AFRICA
Sudan war planes bomb South Sudan town. Sudan launches attack into South Sudan's borders. Sudan president Omar al-Bashir says no more talks with South. Sudan leader visits border town of Heglig.
Mali's new leader aays talks with rebels possible.
Rumble in the jungle as Ugandan army hunts Kony.
Nigeria Islamist militants 'killed by own bombs'.
EUROPE
Sarkozy faces runoff in France elections.
Dutch prime minister, Cabinet resign. Dutch coalition to quit in budget row: sources. Holland, not Hollande, is Europe's latest worry.
Ukraine opposition parties unite for election.
Anglican official: Front-runner for top church job victim of 'naked racism'.
AMERICAS
Hugo Chavez keeps a low profile in Cuba for cancer treatment.
Argentinian president, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, rejects criticism over YPF nationalisation.
Colombia seizes two tonnes of 'Farc rebel cocaine'.
Mexican ex-general once accused of narco ties is shot dead.
Radical left at crossroads in Latin America.
Secret Service director survives scandal,
Mali's new leader aays talks with rebels possible.
Rumble in the jungle as Ugandan army hunts Kony.
Nigeria Islamist militants 'killed by own bombs'.
Sarkozy faces runoff in France elections.
Dutch prime minister, Cabinet resign. Dutch coalition to quit in budget row: sources. Holland, not Hollande, is Europe's latest worry.
Ukraine opposition parties unite for election.
Anglican official: Front-runner for top church job victim of 'naked racism'.
Hugo Chavez keeps a low profile in Cuba for cancer treatment.
Argentinian president, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, rejects criticism over YPF nationalisation.
Colombia seizes two tonnes of 'Farc rebel cocaine'.
Mexican ex-general once accused of narco ties is shot dead.
Radical left at crossroads in Latin America.
Secret Service director survives scandal, so far. Senate broadening Secret Service probe after prostitution scandal.
US praises Yemen crackdown on Al-Qaida.
Qaeda group calls for Algeria election boycott, revolution.
Al-Qaeda wants diplomat swapped for 15 terrorists.
UN: Crime generates trillions of dollars each year.
Spam: India leads world in junk emails.
Economists upping their U.S. forecasts for 2012.
Nestle wins pricey battle for Pfizer baby food unit.
Rumble in the jungle as Ugandan army hunts Kony.
Nigeria Islamist militants 'killed by own bombs'.
EUROPE
Sarkozy faces runoff in France elections.
Dutch prime minister, Cabinet resign. Dutch coalition to quit in budget row: sources. Holland, not Hollande, is Europe's latest worry.
Ukraine opposition parties unite for election.
Anglican official: Front-runner for top church job victim of 'naked racism'.
AMERICAS
Hugo Chavez keeps a low profile in Cuba for cancer treatment.
Argentinian president, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, rejects criticism over YPF nationalisation.
Colombia seizes two tonnes of 'Farc rebel cocaine'.
Mexican ex-general once accused of narco ties is shot dead.
Radical left at crossroads in Latin America.
Secret Service director survives scandal, so far. Senate broadening Secret Service probe after prostitution scandal.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
US praises Yemen crackdown on Al-Qaida.
Qaeda group calls for Algeria election boycott, revolution.
Al-Qaeda wants diplomat swapped for 15 terrorists.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
UN: Crime generates trillions of dollars each year.
Spam: India leads world in junk emails.
Economists upping their U.S. forecasts for 2012.
Nestle wins pricey battle for Pfizer baby food unit.