The economic story over the remaining months of 2012 may be more important to this vital diplomacy than the election result in the U.S. For all the room Republicans have as challengers to bluster about China and other matters abroad, the choices come 2013 will be narrower, not least for that fiscal vise that will grip Washington.

FORBES: China May Not Let a Distracted America Forget

The department also quotes research from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in the United States which has argued that good teaching is vital to pupil achievement - and as such it is important to be able to measure what represents effective teaching.

BBC: Teachers' performance pay on pupil progress

While it is vital to recognize that the failed two-state solution must be abandoned, it is equally important that it not be replaced with another failed proposition.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: The Israeli solution