BBC World Business News (Business)

The United States economy may be growing again but its not creating jobs. The US unemployment rate has risen to its highest rate in twenty five years. What more could Washington be doing to turn things round? And - could the humble date become the world's richest source of biofuel?

The Iraqi government has taken another step towards realising its ambition to become one of the world's biggest oil producers. It's awarded a contract to develop another oil field to Exxon Mobil and Shell. The West Qurna 1 field is thought to contain nearly 8 billion barrels of oil. What are the risks and rewards for foreign energy firms?

Authorities in the state of New York have accused the computer chip maker Intel of illegally bullying and coercing companies into paying billions of dollars for the exclusive use of its microprocessors. Also, the US Federal Reserve says it'll keep American interest rates close to zero for "an extended period". And the European Union, Mexico and the United States have called on the World Trade Organisation to investigate China's policy of limiting exports of certain raw materials.

One of the world's biggest and most successful investment funds is buying into railways. But can Warren Buffett make a success of his biggest ever purchase? And we ask whether the US might follow Britain in breaking up its banks.

As the troubled Afghan election process ends with the US giving its backing to embattled President Karzai, we ask what chance there is of persuading foreign business to invest in the country. And why televisions in California might get smaller.

One of the biggest providers of loans to businesses in the United States, CIT, has filed for bankruptcy. We ask who the biggest losers could be. Plus - the Japanese politician who wants to celebrate what sex and gambling can do for the local economy.

Regulators in the United States have imposed record fines on the oil giant BP for safety failures at a plant in Texas. And - as governments look for ways to combat climate change, we hear why why more efficient electricity transmission won't come cheap..

A showpiece development in the heart of London, intended to provide 170 new luxury hotel beds, has been mothballed. We hear how here, as in so many cities around the world, the lack of bank credit means building sites have fallen silent. Plus Iraq's stockmarket plans to go electronic as it enjoys an investment boom.

The Czech prime minister has condemned US President Barack Obama's economic recovery plans as "a way to hell". And we investigate the boiling row between Ethiopian coffee producers and their government.

How will the economic slowdown affect Africa? The International Monetary Fund has predicted severe economic repercussions for the continent; yet will some areas of African life remain immune from global trends?

America's richest hedge fund managers have been called before Congress to explain their role in the financial crisis. Will a Democrat White House force through new laws to make them less secretive and pay more tax?