The world this week

A look at what could be dominating the headlines around the world this week - and some key background on those events.

MONDAY 7 MAY

WATCH OUT FOR: Features from Estonia where a row over the Soviet legacy is overshadowing war commemorations Special reports on globalisation in China Globalisation in depth

Monsieur le president: All eyes on France as the victory of Nicolas Sarkozy in the presidential election promises a new direction for one of Europe's most influential countries.

French election in depth

The untouchable: It is 50 years since the death of Eliot Ness, the special FBI agent who headed the investigation into US gangster Al Capone.

TUESDAY 8 MAY

Down the line: Generals from North and South Korea discuss security for the first train to cross their frontier in more than 50 years. A planned trial crossing a year ago was cancelled by the North.

In pictures: Inside North Korea

Orange and Green: Hard-line Protestant and Roman Catholic leaders in Northern Ireland are expected to resume power-sharing after striking a historic deal.

Quick guide: Conflict in Northern Ireland

WEDNESDAY 9 MAY

Sexyfire is representing Belgium at Eurovision on Saturday

Timor decides: Voters in the world's newest country, East Timor, choose a new leader to replace Xanana Gusmao in the run-off round of the presidential election.

Optimism as East Timor votes

Victory Day: Russia and other former Soviet republics commemorate victory in World War II. Estonia's relocation of its best-known war memorial has caused a furious row.

Benedict in Brazil: The Pope arrives in the world's biggest Roman Catholic country on a visit meant to re-energise the faithful at a time when conversion by other Christian Churches is eating into his flock. He is due to canonise the first Brazilian-born saint, Franciscan Friar Galvo.

Alarm at Latin Mass move

THURSDAY 10 MAY

Goodbye Blair? Speculation is high that this is the day UK Prime Minister Tony Blair announces the timetable for his exit from 10 Downing Street after 10 years in office.

FRIDAY 11 MAY

Cuban fugitive: Veteran anti-Castro exile Luis Posada Carriles goes on trial for immigration offences in the US. Venezuela and Cuba would like to try the former CIA employee over the downing of a Cuban airliner in 1976 with 73 deaths - a charge he denies.

Profile: Cuban 'plane bomber'

SATURDAY 12 MAY

Oh, Lordi! Eurovision, Europe's annual televised song contest, comes from Helsinki this year, after last year's victory by Finnish monster rockers Lordi. Will a new Abba emerge from this contest? Or a new Lordi?

How do you write a Eurovision hit?

SUNDAY 13 MAY

Armenian ballot: Opposition activists are warning of fraud as the ex-Soviet state elects a new parliament. The ruling Republican Party is widely expected to win most of the seats.

Armenian timeline

This guide to the week ahead is not intended as an exhaustive list, and the events noted may be cancelled or postponed.