Not only bar soap has been banned but also body wash, shampoo, hair conditioner and even shaving cream.

FORBES: Fact and Comment

Perhaps the saddest aspect of Mr Khatami's dilemma is that he is being solicited not because he has new ideas or new methods of advancing old ones, but because he is an elder statesman whom the Council of Guardians, a vetting body, would not dare bar from running.

ECONOMIST: Iran

The Bar Council, the Malaysian lawyers' governing body, has called for an independent investigation of Mr Anwar's claim.

ECONOMIST: Malaysia

China has developed a modern body of maritime law, expanded a dedicated maritime-court infrastructure and encouraged a specialist bar of maritime lawyers.

ECONOMIST: Argentina's monetary policy