All they can do is strive to be ever more prepared to meet the next request.

ECONOMIST: Idea

And the Afghan Security Forces themselves will not ever be prepared if they don't start taking that responsibility.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Holds a Press Conference

Lord Owen insists that if a referendum campaign ever happens he will be prepared to make common cause with the hardline Tory Eurosceptics.

ECONOMIST: The euro

International threats from terrorists and rogue nations are less predictable than ever -- our military must be prepared to meet those threats, including threats of missile attacks.

CNN: GOP leaders pledge to work with Democrats on key issues

But that marriage of convenience often comes with strings attached and, if you ever decide to part ways, be prepared for a messy and expensive "divorce" and a potential competitor.

WSJ: How to Find Your First Investors

While the health service is better prepared than it used to be, there is less wriggle room than ever.

BBC: Can the NHS cope with winter?

Because escalatory steps must eventually either climb back down or lead to war, there should be a continuing willingness to talk with North Korea and, should it ever shift tack and commit responsible acts, the United States and its allies should be prepared to reward those acts with more fruitful exchanges and assistance.

CNN: Rescind North Korea's license to provoke

These fatwas explain the rum list of candidates: you either have to be an unelectable extremist who genuinely believes all this, or a dissembler prepared to tie yourself in ever more elaborate knots (the flexible Mr Romney).

ECONOMIST: American politics: The right Republican | The