Blair and Brown, characterised as reluctant Europeans too timid to make the case, may be more effective champions of Europe than they know.

BBC: Referendum St

Many of its staff fear the new owner will be more timid.

ECONOMIST: Morocco and its king

Inside, guests were shuttled through various stations, treated to platters of dates, tiny cups of strong coffee, henna tattoos, dabs of essential oils like frankincense and sandalwood, and photos of themselves (to be posted online) posing in traditional Arabic garb along with a rather timid-looking falcon.

FORBES: Abu Dhabi Hits Times Square

Belatedly, Mr Blair seems to acknowledge that he should be seen to make a principled stand over the treatment of these men, but he sounds too much like a timid supplicant.

ECONOMIST: Tony Blair needs a good row in Washington