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 10 SEPTEMBER

LOOK OUT FOR Analysis, graphics and the results of an ABC/BBC poll on the progress of the US military in Iraq Petraeus 'mulls US troop cut'

Surge and rescue: The top US commander in Iraq, Gen David Petraeus, and Iraq Ambassador Ryan Crocker present their assessments on the US military strategy in Iraq.

Matter of faith: The rape trial of Warren Steed Jeffs, the leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS), begins with jury selection. Mr Jeffs is accused of being an accomplice to rape.

Uncertain future for US polygamy sect

Through the microscope: More than 350 of the UK's top scientists and engineers gather in York to discuss the latest developments at the BA Festival of Science.

LOOK OUT FOR BBC correspondents join former Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif on his return to Lahore after eight years in exile Profile: Nawaz Sharif

Welcome home: Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrives in Pakistan after being exiled following a 1999 coup. Mr Sharif, who was sentenced to life in jail on charges of hijacking and terrorism and was also convicted of corruption, could be arrested on his return. Observers say his return poses a serious threat to the presidency of Gen Pervez Musharraf.

Let's do lunch: French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel hold informal talks in the German city of Meseberg with their respective foreign ministers. It will be their third such meeting since Mr Sarkozy took power in May.

TUESDAY 11 SEPTEMBER

Six years on: The US marks the sixth anniversary of the 11 September terrorist attacks on New York and Washington.

BBC History: 11 September in context

In court: The trial of two British teenage girls accused of trying to smuggle £300,000 of cocaine into the UK in laptop bags is due to resume in Accra, Ghana.

Cocaine destroyed in Ghana trial

Millennium bug: Ethiopia prepares to ring in a new millennium. Ethiopia's Christian Orthodox Church calendar is eight years behind the west, after church officials declined to amend their calendar in line with changes introduced by the Roman Church in 500 AD.

Why Ethiopia's Millennium is seven years late

In a spin: Cricket players from across the world descend on Johannesburg, South Africa, for the inaugural world cup of the new short-form Twenty20 game.

WEDNESDAY 12 SEPTEMBER

The common house sparrow is not so common any more

Critical list: The IUCN-World Conservation Union releases its annual Red List, naming the most threatened species of plants and animals.

Baby boon: The Russian region of Ulyanovsk celebrates its third annual Day of Conception. Busy workers are granted a day off work in the hope of sparking a baby boom exactly nine months later on Russia Day, which is celebrated on 12 June. Successful couples are eligible to win cars and fridges by "doing their duty" for the nation.

THURSDAY 13 SEPTEMBER

Taking stock: US President George W Bush is expected to address the nation on the progress of the troop surge strategy in Iraq.

Holy festival: The Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins. This is the month of fasting, when Muslims learn self-control and sympathy for the hungry. It is the most important of the four sacred months of Islam.

BBC Religion: Ramadan

Wicked games: The trial of accused Russian serial killer Alexander Pichushkin resumes. The former supermarket worker allegedly killed 49 people between 1992 and 2006. Police said he told them he had planned to kill 64 people - one for each square on a chess-board.

Russian 'serial killer' appears in court

FRIDAY 14 SEPTEMBER

Former Pakistani PM Benazir Bhutto is also set for a homecoming

Homecoming queen: The party of another exiled former Pakistani Prime Minister - Benazir Bhutto - will announce the date of her return to Pakistan after leaving the country in 1999. Although she has not been convicted, corruption charges still hang over Ms Bhutto.

Q&A: Pakistan's political crisis

SATURDAY 15 SEPTEMBER

Viva Mexico: Mexican President Felipe Calderon delivers the "grito", re-enacting the independence cry first uttered in 1810 by national hero Miguel Hidalgo, who established the movement for independence from Spain.

On the radar: The US, Russia and Azerbaijan hold talks on the possible joint use of a Russian radar station in Azerbaijan. Russia has suggested that the US military use this system instead of building defences in Poland and the Czech Republic, amid a row over US missile defence plans.

Q&A: US missile defence

SUNDAY 16 SEPTEMBER

Heat on at the polls: Greeks go to the polls in parliamentary elections. Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis called the snap election last month to win a mandate to push through economic reforms, but the popularity of his government has slumped in opinion polls after wildfires devastated the country, killing at least 63 people.

Smouldering Greece expects rain

Gong show: Stars of the US small screen walk the red carpet for the 59th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles.

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