global snapshot

'On the international scene, Islamic terrorists slaughter innocent people in Mumbai, targeting especially Brits, Americans and Jews; Vladimir Putin shreds the Monroe Doctrine by sailing his ancient warships into South American waters; Germany’s Angela Merkel, leader of Europe’s largest economy, decides she is not enthusiastic about joining a worldwide stimulus effort; China adopts the beggar-thy-neighbour policy of guiding its currency down to support its export industries; and parts of Africa remain killing grounds.'