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Opinion polls indicate that the showgirl is the No. 1 role model for young Italian women. Women dominate in advertising and TV shows, but the presence of women in the Italian work force, in management and in politics is drastically lower than in the rest of Europe. Some blame Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

The attacks in Mumbai, India, last week reflect a new pattern. The terrorists used small arms and grenades, and their tactics were reminiscent of traditional guerrilla warfare. The small group of attackers demonstrated discipline and training, and their actions were clearly well-organized and financed. That raises the question: Is the world dealing with a new era of terrorism?

President-elect Obama announced Monday that Sen. Hillary Clinton, his Democratic primary rival, will be his secretary of state, and Robert Gates will stay on as defense secretary.

President-elect Barack Obama has charged that the Bush administration "took its eyes off the ball," allowing Osama bin Laden to escape and al-Qaida to regroup. But recently, the Bush administration has intensified its efforts to go after al-Qaida.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez may have less oil money these days, but that isn't stopping him from buying billions in Russian weaponry. Chavez also has invited Russian soldiers to participate in military maneuvers. Analysts say Chavez wants to align with Washington's adversaries — a signal he'll be a serious challenge next year to President Barack Obama.

Gunmen in Mumbai are thought to still be holding a number of foreign hostages. Indian commandos have been trading fire with the attackers. On Wednesday, gunmen armed with assault rifles and grenades fanned out across Mumbai and attacked popular tourist sites, including the city's top two luxury hotels.

The pact calls for the gradual withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq over the next three years. Although the accord won easy approval, voting was almost postponed because of disputes between Iraq's many rival political factions.

The Iraqi parliament passes a security pact that allows American troops to stay in the region for an additional three years. The accord was endorsed after the ruling coalition reached an understanding on a separate measure with opposition lawmakers. NPR's Ivan Watson gives Steve Inskeep an update from Baghdad.

Sean Penn stars as Harvey Milk in Gus Van Sant's Milk (Focus Features)

Mexicans working in the U.S. are being hit hard by the economic slowdown. That is hurting their home country, as remittances are Mexico's second-largest source of foreign currency. Officials are planning for a wave of reverse migration that could be in the millions, as U.S. jobs are slashed.