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 17 SEPTEMBER
LOOK OUT FOR

In a series of features the BBC's Michael Bristow examines China's one child policy and the abuses in the system
China's gender imbalance

Judgement day: The European Court of Justice delivers a verdict on the long-running dispute between Microsoft and the European Union in a case that could shape the rules of competition law in the EU for decades to come.
Decision looms in Microsoft-EU row

Petition time: Pakistan's Supreme Court hears a petition filed by opposition politicians and a lawyers' association, challenging President Pervez Musharraf's plans to pursue re-election.
Profile of President Pervez Musharraf

Human rights: An international conference in Bangkok examines the human rights situation in North Korea. The totalitarian state stands accused of systematic human rights abuses.
Ozone friendly: Some 191 governments meet in Montreal to seek ways to speed up the phasing out of ozone-depleting gases, widely used in fridges and air conditioners.

TUESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER
Cheaper credit? The US Federal Reserve Bank meets to decide on borrowing costs and is expected to cut a key interest rate for the first time in four years, to ease pressures on the financial sector as the global credit clench continues.
In-depth: Global credit crunch

Iraq security: Gen David Petraeus, the top US commander in Iraq, briefs the British Prime Minister Gordon Brown on security in Iraq, fresh from his gruelling week giving testimony to Congress about the troop "surge".
Succession bill: Zimbabwe's parliament debates the Constitutional Amendment that would give President Robert Mugabe room to choose a successor if he were to retire.

Reform plans: French President Nicolas Sarkozy unveils his pension reform plans. Mr Sarkozy was elected in June on a platform of economic reform and has been working to push through new legislation since then.
Profile: Nicolas Sarkozy

Monarchy under pressure: Nepal's Maoists are due to start street protests, demanding that the country be declared a republic before the constituent assembly elections on 22 November.
Nepal's attention turns to King

WEDNESDAY 19 SEPTEMBER
Nuclear deal: The Indian government holds talks with its communist allies over a controversial nuclear deal with the US which has threatened to split the ruling coalition.
Urban music: The Mobo Awards (Music of Black Origin) take place in London - seeking to raise awareness and importance of urban music in today's society.

THURSDAY 20 SEPTEMBER
Taking stock: G8 Foreign Ministers gather for their annual autumn meeting in New York which coincides with the UN General Assembly.
Fujimori verdict: The Chilean Supreme Court is expected to rule on the extradition case of former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori who is accused of human rights abuses and corruption. The court will either confirm or reject a previous ruling blocking his extradition to Peru.
Profile: Alberto Fujimori

FRIDAY 21 SEPTEMBER

Iran denies accusations it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons Iran sanctions: The US hosts a meeting of major world powers to discuss plans for a new round of sanctions against Iran over its contentious nuclear programme. The five permanent members of the UN Security Council, plus Germany, are meeting in Washington.
Quick guide: Iran nuclear stand-off

SATURDAY 22 SEPTEMBER
Car free: The Chinese capital Beijing and its financial hub, Shanghai, observe a "no car" day. People are encouraged to walk, bike, or use public transport.
Beer galore: Brewers and publicans march through Munich, Germany, to mark the opening of the Oktoberfest. Around 6.1 million litres of beer are expected to be consumed during the two-week festival.

SUNDAY 23 SEPTEMBER
Leadership contest: Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party holds a leadership poll to pick a successor to outgoing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Mr Abe's resignation surprised many and drew public and media criticism.
What led Shinzo Abe to resign?

BBC NEWS REPORT.