The only sure bet is that Mr Duhalde will do his utmost to postpone both a primary (now due in January) and an election while Mr Menem has any chance of winning either.

ECONOMIST: Argentina's collapse

Justice Department lawyers do not want a lengthy appeals process to postpone indefinitely the splitting in two of the software superpower.

BBC: Microsoft appeal decision looms

He called on the government to pass enabling legislation so that it could postpone the elections in such places if matters do not improve by May.

ECONOMIST: Bagehot

Mr Blair would do Britain, and himself, a favour, if he were to postpone the idea of a referendum until it is clearer what sort of union Europe is turning into.

ECONOMIST: And now for Europe?