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Bliss was it in that dawn to be alive
East European states have worked wonders in establishing democracy where it had barely existed. But they must do more to deal with the baleful legacy of communism, build trust in public institutions and fight corruption
Talking to Burma
Now that contact has been re-established, western officials should hold out the prospect of gradually lifting sanctions in return for tangible progress on democracy and human rights. But until the generals respond with concrete actions, they should remain just that: prospects
A man humiliated
Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, is the principal Palestinian advocate of a negotiated two-state peace agreement with Israel. If he stands by his threat to quit it could deal a devastating blow to that process, if not destroy it
Bullion quest is no golden opportunity
Gold purchases do nothing to change the monstrous growth of reserves in surplus nations, particularly in Asia, which means they also do nothing to address the global macroeconomic imbalances that leaders profess to worry about
An unpopular war
This week marks the lowest point yet in Britain’s Afghan campaign. The true test of leadership is to rally the nation at a moment like this. Somehow, Gordon Brown must find a way to do so
California dreams
Meg Whitman and Carly Fiorina may or may not have the right qualities to lead in politics as well as in business but they have at least given the voters a chance to decide for themselves
Central banks still stepping on the gas
Central banks can do little more than they are already doing to help recovery: pessimism and insolvency risk are holding output back. They can, however, derail it by tightening too soon or too late
Coup de theatre
Rich as it may be in oil, the US and other allies of Equatorial Guinea have little to gain long term in overlooking the regime’s abuse
Intel in trouble
AMD’s experience is a reminder that tech innovators can flourish even against dominant rivals – but only if regulators remain alert
Cameron sets out European stall
The Conservative leader has said the legal requirement for referendums would be at the heart of his party’s plans if they win the next general election



