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Politique
-US President-elect Barack Obama unveils details of his "21st century New Deal". The Economic Recovery Plan is preliminarily based on 5 pillars: energy, roads and bridges, schools, broadband, and electronic medical records. Many, including prominent members of his own party, are becoming increasingly frustrated with his "there is only one president at a time" line, as the sitting President appears to have checked out while Rome burns.
-The terrorist attacks on Mumbai end, the Indian investigation expands, and at least 29 people die from a car bomb in the Pakistani city of Peshwara. Blame for the attacks has focused on Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (the likely perpetrators), the Indian government (early warnings, poor response, failure to hold Pakistan accountable), and the Pakistani regime (failure/inability to address sources of terrorism and militancy within its borders).
-A deliciously intriguing affair in the British House of Commons has ignited a fierce debate over Parliamentary independence, opposition politics, and police powers. Meanwhile, Canada has its own legislative controversy to deal with (find Dave's take here).

Economia
-The US learned it has been in recession since December 2007 (something everyone but this guy has been well aware of) and lost 533,000 jobs in November, the largest jobs decline in 34 years.
-Angela Merkel grew increasingly isolated in Europe as French President Sarkozy unveiled a €26bn stimulus package. UK Prime Minister Brown and Sarkozy will meet in London on Monday to renew their call for a coordinated European stimulus.
-An historic week in European central banking: BoE cuts 100 basis points to 2.0% (lowest level since 1951), ECB goes with 75 basis points to 2.5% (its largest single cut ever), and Sweden slashes a record 175 basis points to 2.0%.

The Rest
-In the Prem: Arsenal continue form following famous win at Stamford Bridge, Liverpool stay top, and ManU and Spurs on track for Carling Cup final. In Europe: Cristiano Ronaldo wins Ballon d'Or, reveals he was "an inch away" from being a Gunner in 2003.
-This week in Japanese innovation: omelets with the Motoman SDA10.
-"Experienced bandits" steal €85mn in luxury jewels from Harry Winston store in Paris. According to Reuters, the heist occurred almost a year to the day of a similar $16mn robbery at the store.