Monster-bankers

It may be true that bank regulators need a new set of teeth. But Germany’s political class clearly has a thing about the awesome beast that is capitalism

• German banking regulator rejects blame
• Berlin sees spy threat to business

Israel at 60

Even though a majority of its citizens back a two-states solution, the country appears politically incapable of producing leaders who can close the deal

• Bush warns against a nuclear Iran
• Truce hopes dim as Israel rebuffs plan

Brown’s best shot is a clearer focus

The embers of indiscipline and rebellion are still smouldering in the UK Labour party. It will not take much to set them ablaze again

The great asset price controversy

Central banks must revisit their response to bubbles – and the possibility of using regulation, not monetary policy, to target them

Darling’s desperate tax giveaway

Alistair Darling’s plan to put up personal allowances makes sense as policy, but climbdowns have left the government’s fiscal credibility in tatters

Bad UK inflation means no rate cuts

A period of poor growth at the same time as high inflation will hurt: but it is better than a plunge off the tightrope to either side

Emperor for life?

Google’s dominance has been based on offering the best product. Its rivals had better start offering a credible alternative

China responds to a human tragedy

Beijing appears to have learnt from past mistakes. It should push Burma, its recalcitrant neighbour, to be as open as it has been

Food investment, not imperialism

Diary of a nobody

Serbs opt for EU

Sort the mail and save the post

A spring thaw in chilly east Asia

Banking on Turkey

Hard to swallow

Living in a world of $200 oil

Beirut on fire

The dollar danger is not over yet