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 JANUARY 7

LOOK OUT FOR Gorgeous gadgets: BBC correspondents in Las Vegas will be reporting from the Consumer Electronics Show on the latest gadgets and home electronics. It starts on Monday, so don't miss: Interactive in-video Q&A with Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft Interview with Nicholas Negroponte, founder of the One Laptop Per Child programme Tech show to fight economic fears

War crimes trial: The trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor is due to resume at the Hague. Mr Taylor, who is accused of responsibility for atrocities committed by rebels during the war in neighbouring Sierra Leone, is the first former African head of state to face an international war crimes court. In August, his defence team asked for more time to prepare their case.

Charles Taylor profile

Carrying the bags: Twenty-two UK airports are preparing to let passengers take more than one piece of hand luggage on flights, to coincide with extra security checks. Heathrow, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh are among the airports where two luggage pieces will be permitted. Strict rules were imposed in 2006 after a series of security alerts.

One-bag air travel rule relaxed

California dreaming: The 13th annual Broadcast Film Critics Association's Critics' Choice Awards takes place in California. Actor Sean Penn's latest movie, Into the Wild, leads with seven nominations.

TUESDAY 8 JANUARY

White House race: Days of gruelling campaigning by US presidential hopefuls will culminate in the country's first primary, in New Hampshire. Hillary Clinton will go into the next test with some ground to make up, after coming third for the Democrats in the Iowa's caucuses . On the Republican side, Mitt Romney will also have some catching up to do after coming second to Mike Huckabee.

Q&A: US primary elections

WEDNESDAY 9 JANUARY

A Jerusalem municipality worker arranges the Israeli and US flags

Middle East first George W Bush begin his first visit as US president to Israel and the West Bank, in an attempt to revive the Middle East peace process. In Jerusalem, Mr Bush is expected to meet Israeli President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, over the two-day trip. He will also hold talks in the West Bank with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

THURSDAY 10 JANUARY

People power: Tata Motors is scheduled to launch its long-awaited "people's car" - said to be the cheapest car in the world - at Delhi's Auto Expo. The company has said the small, four-door vehicle will be priced at about $2,500.

FRIDAY 11 JANUARY

Culture vultures: A live musical extravaganza with dozens of guitarists playing on rooftops will mark the official ceremony kicking off Liverpool's year as European Capital of Culture. More than two million additional tourists are expected in the city to see some of the 300 events that are due to take place. The Stavanger area of Norway will represent non-EU countries as their Capital of Culture.

'Culture vultures' hit UK in 2008

SUNDAY 13 JANUARY

Atonement, staring Keira Knightley, leads the Golden Globes

Will the stars come out?: The 65th Annual Golden Globe awards is scheduled to take place in Beverly Hills, California, but the 10-week strike by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) is raising questions about just who will attend. The WGA says it would still picket the show. British film drama Atonement, staring James McAvoy and Keira Knightley, is leading the Golden Globe race after being nominated for seven prizes in December.

Golden Globes 2008: The nominations

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