The rest of the world is equally anxious about the current stand-off over Iraq, the crisis caused by North Korea's newly aggressive stand on nuclear weapons, and the war on terrorism.

ECONOMIST: That elusive recovery | The

China recently signalled it would be taking a more imaginative and aggressive approach to how it invests its war chest, including buying significant holdings in overseas companies.

BBC: NEWS | Business | Chinese cash fuels Barclays bid

His influences were varied and included the German artist Otto Dix, famed for his aggressive approach to colour, perspective and depicting characters affected by war.

BBC: Vincent Rattray