When the agency lowers the outlook on the long-term debt to negative, is it your view that -- what is your view about the significance of that?

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

On Monday Boris Bodin, head of the Russian Space Agency's long-term planning department, acknowledged that Moscow may keep Mir flying longer than earlier announced, until several months after the arrival of the living quarters module in July 1999.

CNN: Russia reluctant to let Mir die

The US-based ratings agency published its latest assessment on Thursday, amending its view of the Bailiwick's long-term economic stability.

BBC: Deputy Charles Parkinson

Ratings agency Fitch downgraded Greece's long-term credit rating from B- to CCC on Thursday, citing the increased risk that Greece could be forced to leave the eurozone.

CNN: Spain faces bank concerns after downgrade

The proposed cuts are likely to have an impact on long-term contracts between the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and U.S.-based satellite-imagery providers DigitalGlobe Inc.

WSJ: U.S. to Trim Commercial-Satellite Use

Marik told me Saddam can be undermined if the agency re-engages in a long-term propaganda and political effort, rather than betting everything on a quick silver-bullet coup scenario.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: CIA��s Debacle Dodged

Another agency, Fitch, confirmed France's triple-A rating on Friday evening, but revised its long-term outlook to "negative" from "stable".

BBC: Calm economic rhetoric, Nick Clegg tells French PM

Yet with long-term interest rates at historically lows, and with the US government already on the credit agency watch, conservative investors may be cautions in getting on the side of the Fed, while aggressive investors may want to bet against it.

FORBES: Is It time To Bet Against The Fed?