And the idea has taken hold that the Enrons and WorldComs are not aberrations, but rather the inevitable by-products of a system that plays to people's worst impulses: greed, cynicism and selfishness.

FORBES: A Virtuous Cycle

That means clarifying that statehood is not inevitable but, rather a potential result of Abbas deciding to abandon his preconditions and get serious about talks.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: The new, improved Obama

But it seems inevitable that his place in history will be for his leaving of the office rather than for what he may or may not have achieved in it.

BBC: What next for Northern Ireland?