Mr Rogge said that like the messengers in ancient times who shared news of the Olympic truce - the laying down of arms for the Games - "the torchbearers who carry this flame to London will spread the message of sport's capacity to promote peace and to make our world a better place".

BBC: London 2012: Olympic Games flame lit in Greece

But when they see us devoting these resources and the incredible capacity that we have to help people in desperate need, that message ripples across the world.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Holds a Town Hall in New Hampshire

The new laws, combined with the disingenuous message ministers are sending about unnecessary red tape, will seriously damage the capacity of the planning system to protect our countryside and environment and deliver the right growth in the right locations.

BBC: Campaigners angry at Growth and Infrastructure Bill

And today, I saw and heard a very simple explanation: there is, after the violence of last Wednesday and Thursday, a commitment to organic Egyptian democracy in some top quarters (notably the White House), and a commitment to a rapid technocratic transition in others (notably the Pentagon), and no capacity or mechanism to efficiently share information, forge a consensus across departments, and coordinate a message.

FORBES: Confusion at Foggy Bottom