Barack Obama is considering sending a letter of congratulations to the Iranian people to mark the 30th anniversary of the Islamic revolution. Diplomatic editor Julian Borger says such a move would be hugely significant, and would signal a determination to improve relations between Washington and Tehran.
Sir Paul Stephenson was confirmed yesterday as the new Metropolitan police commissioner. London blogger Dave Hill examines his record.
France is gripped today by a general strike, in a big test of the authority of President Nicholas Sarkozy. Angelique Chrisafis reports from Paris.
Sebastian Barry tells Stuart Jeffries of his reaction to winning the Costa book of the year award for his novel The Secret Scripture.
And Martin Wainwright goes to Stoke-on-Trent in search of the perfect North Staffordshire oatcake.
