Mel Gibson, who has not taken a leading role not in the movies, anyway for quite some time, returns looking older but no less determined, with an uncomfortable hint of despair.

NEWYORKER: Edge of Darkness

But now is no time to be throwing up your hands in despair.

FORBES: 2001 Investment Guide

The problems are daunting but, as for Africa as a whole, despair is no more use than callous indifference.

ECONOMIST: Scramble for Africa

Even so the bet must be that the Greeks reluctantly, sullenly, will go along with new austerity but I have sensed a despair that last year just wasn't there and no-one knows where that will lead.

BBC: Greece crisis: Revolution in the offing?