Today's Story Line

As Mideast peace talks falter - with water being a main sticking point - Turkey comes up with a possible answer.

With the world's financial markets tumbling yesterday, in the wake of Friday's devastating US decline, hordes of investors learned again that a world of economic interdependence contains steep, profit-sapping pitfalls.

A growing number of activists in Kosovo are trying to improve the status of women. They've traditionally carried heavy burdens, but have been afforded few rights.

Faye Bowers, Deputy world editor

REPORTERS ON THE JOB

WATERED-DOWN SOUP? Turkey is hardly short of water, Mideast correspondent Scott Peterson found out during lunch at the Manavgat River's "big falls." Set up for tourists, platforms for tables with little connecting bridges - all of it over the flow of the river - form the scenic eating area. But as Scott and his driver began enjoying their mixed grill, the waters began to rise. As it spilled over the edge of the platform, waiters who had kicked off their shoes cleared the tables, one after another.

Before a rushed departure, Scott asked a Turkish mother if sending some of the overflow to the Mideast for peace was a good idea. "Only if it makes money," said Zeliha, as she packed up her two kids. "Otherwise, forget it!"

CULTURAL SNAPSHOT

OBSERVANCES: Jews begin their week-long observance of Passover at sundown on Wednesday. The holiday commemorates the hasty exodus of Jews from slavery in Egypt more than 3,000 years ago and their arduous journey to the Promised Land.

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