Today's Must-Reads from Reuters - Nov 14

Russia searches for right tone to handle Obama

MOSCOW - Russia's intense dislike of U.S. policies and its resolve to stand up to them are not in doubt but the Kremlin is wrestling with a dilemma about what tactics to use in dealing with an Obama White House. (RUSSIA-USA/ (ANALYSIS), moved at 1100, by Conor Sweeney, 750 words)

Algeria's stagnant politics risks discontent

ALGIERS - President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's ambition to rebuild OPEC member Algeria could stumble in a new term in office if his strong man approach fails to give hope to Algerians impatient for a better life after years of war. (ALGERIA-POLITICS (ANALYSIS), moved at 0904, by William Maclean, 750 words)

Iraqis measure progress with flip of switch

AL-QUDS PLANT, Iraq - Electricity has become a central measure in assessing how far Iraq has come since the U.S.-led invasion to topple Saddam Hussein, and it is stubbornly negative. (IRAQ/ELECTRICITY (GENERAL FEATURE), moved at 0004, pix, by Missy Ryan and Aws Qusay, 850 words)

Softened Salvador rebels see chance of power

SUCHITOTO, El Salvador - Mauricio Funes, a bespectacled former television journalist, is leading in the race to become El Salvador's next president, bringing a party of softened former rebels within reach of power for the first time. (SALVADOR-ELECTIONS/ (GENERAL FEATURE), moved at 0003, pix, by Catherine Bremer, 800 words)

Family planning bill divides Philippines

MANILA - Fliers at church entrances in the Philippines usually request donations for the poor, list upcoming special events or simply ask for prayers. But one chapel in Manila is asking the faithful in this predominantly Roman Catholic nation to sign petition opposing a family planning bill before Congress. (PHILIPPINES-POPULATION/ (RELIGION FEATURE), moved at 0003, pix, by Manny Mogato, 950 words)

COMING MONDAY, NOV. 17

Microfinance is victim of financial crisis

MUMBAI - A global credit crisis that has felled large investment banks and prompted multi-billion dollar bailout packages is also hurting unlikely victims half a world away: small south Asian businesses dependent on microfinance (MICROFINANCE/ (BUSINESS FEATURE), pix, by Rina Chandran, 1,100 words)

COMING TUESDAY, NOV. 18

London trader tries life as professional fighter

LONDON - Former investment banker Steven Hopwood has traded the cut and thrust of financial markets for the kicks and jabs of cage fighting -- a mix of martial arts and an old-fashioned pub brawl that is fast growing in popularity. (FINANCIAL/CAGEFIGHTER (BUSINESS FEATURE), pix, by Michael Taylor, 700 words)

COMING WEDNESDAY, NOV. 19

Tripoli gets taste of consumer culture

TRIPOLI - As economic barriers fall between Libya and the West, a boom-town atmosphere fed by the novelty of consumer culture has gripped its capital Tripoli. (LIBYA-CITY/ (BUSINESS FEATURE), pix, by Tom Pfeiffer)

Hedge fund hub feels market's pain

GREENWICH, Conn. - In Greenwich, Connecticut, the town most identified with hedge funds, luxury car dealers are silent, the prices of its mansions are declining, and the retailers who have made a decent living out of its wealthy residents are complaining. (FINANCIAL-GREENWICH/