* China holds the cards at summit It is not clear how much the leaders of developed and developing countries from around the world, gathered to discuss a fast-moving financial crisis with a soon-to-depart president of the United States, can hope to accomplish.

* Russia Backs Off on Europe Missile Threat President Dmitri A. Medvedev of Russia retreated Friday from his threat to deploy missiles on Europe’s borders.

* Global financial crisis increasing terror threat The Washington Post quoted intelligence officials as saying that the deepening global economic crisis could weaken fragile governments in the world's most dangerous areas.

* Iraqi cleric calls for peaceful mass protest against U.S. Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr called for a massive prayer service and a peaceful demonstration in Baghdad next week against the U.S.-led presence in Iraq.

* Barkat's agenda Fiorello LaGuardia, the legendary New York City mayor between the Great Depression and World War II, seldom disappointed reporters for a quote.

* Iran pushes for further oil cut Iran is to urge the oil-exporters' group Opec to agree another cut in production to boost the price of oil.

* Iraq: Negotiators agree on US security pact draft U.S. and Iraqi negotiators have agreed on a draft of a security pact that would allow American troops to stay in Iraq for three more years.

* Abbas, Olmert to meet Monday A Palestinian official says the Palestinian president will meet with the outgoing Israeli prime minister on Monday and raise his concern about renewed Gaza fighting.

* UN General Assembly Concludes Interfaith Dialogue The U.N. General Assembly concluded a two-day conference on interfaith dialogue with a call for member states to promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.