New look

Distracted EU struggles to show united front at summit

The EU’s divisions over Russia show how the row over the Lisbon treaty has been a preoccupation with form at the expense of content

‘Houdini’ relies on fragile peace for unlikely escape

Just when his exit looked imminent, Ehud Olmert, Prime Minister, has bought himself another three months of political life

Oil-price promises are only good at face value

The EU-Opec summit was called to be seen to be doing something about high prices, without either side being able to do much at all

Good intentions but vague on detail

Yesterday, for the first time, Britain said that Robert Mugabe had no right to call himself the President of Zimbabwe

There is no clear answer to the ‘Irish problem’

There is no guarantee that the Irish would vote 'yes' even after being offered all kinds of special favours by the EU

Tricky business when Russia ignore rules

Oil and gas in Russia, even where nominally outside Kremlin control, are still subject to its whims

Wrong timing is right for getting tough with Iran

It is the right point to toughen Iran sanctions farther, and to look at curbs on oil and gas trade

EU copes fine without a constitution

There will be an attempt by some to say that the Irish did not understand what they were rejecting

Look at Ireland to see how aid can be put to good use

Foreign aid is still a popular cause, yet 60 years after the triumphant reconstruction of Europe, there is little agreement about what works

Pakistan's long march to stability

This week has brought drama in each of Pakistan’s three worst challenges: the economy, terrorism, and its Constitution