Le Figaro (France)
Courted by Netanyahu et Livni, Lieberman plays to the highest bidder

Avigdor Lieberman is leader of Israel’s ultra-nationalist party Israel Beitenu, controversial for policies seen as hostile towards Israel’s Arab minority and also towards the more orthodox Jewish community. Le Figaro reminds readers that Lieberman has been part of previous Israeli governments. Now he wants his party to have at least one or two important ministerial portfolios in the new cabinet. But he’s currently under investigation on suspicions of bribery and money laundering.

Haaretz (Israel)

Which ministerial posts available to Lieberman?

Eventual charges could make it somewhat awkward to appoint him as, say, public security minister or justice minister. The finance portfolio could also be problematic, even if Lieberman hasn’t yet been charged with any financial wrongdoing. Haaretz says the investigations need to be wrapped up quickly so an appropriate decision can be made.

Jerusalem Post (Israel)

Is Avigdor Liberman a racist? No, but…

Various academic and political figures say in the Post that it’s more that Lieberman’s proposed policies are offensive - Israelis having to take an oath of loyalty as a condition of citizenship, for example. One interviewee also judged that, during the election campaign, Lieberman didn’t speak out enough against his more racist supporters.

Times of India (India)

Mumbai attack: US, western pressure worked

The Times writes that India’s former high commissioner to Pakistan says it was US pressure and a threat to cut off US aid that pushed Pakistan to admit that part of Mumbai attacks were planned on Pakistani soil.

Hindustan Times (India)

Pakistan’s admission gets guarded welcome in India

India doesn’t want this to be a way for Islamabad to only carry out some superficial moves to address the issue of Islamic extremism. There’s still a 'wait and see' attitude from the Indian press as to what extent Pakistan’s admission represents a real step forward, reports the paper.

Les Echos (France)

French government predicts recession of 1% in 2009

This business daily announces that France is officially in recession, with the release of economic figures for the end of 2008.

Libération (France)

How to share the profits

The French left-wing daily fronts today's edition with the question “How to share the profits”; that’s to say, the profits of petroleum giant Total, which totalled nearly 14 billion euros last year, a record profit for a French company in 2008.

Publico (Spain)

Learn to fire employees for 59 euros

Given its 2008 success, it looks like Total won’t need to read this final article, about online lessons for company bosses in a time of crisis looking to fire employees as cheaply as possible. Publico reports that this know-how will set you back 59 euros. The flipside for employees: there are websites with advice on how to avoid getting fired.