It gave them the support of a superpower whilst relieving them of a duty to resolve the quarrel with the Palestinians, even though their own long-term well-being must surely depend on solving that conflict.

ECONOMIST: The Arabs and Israel

"It is true that we cannot depend on government alone to create jobs or long-term growth, but at this particular moment, only government can provide the short-term boost necessary to lift us from a recession this deep and severe, " he said.

CNN: Obama calls for 'dramatic action'

The long-term benefits of face-to-face fundraising depend entirely on the quality of those people who are taken by the charity collectors.

BBC: Street fundraisers: Your stories

Wise capitalists do not rush to finance long-term projects that depend on public subsidy.

ECONOMIST: Offshore energy: I'll huff and I'll puff | The

Whether it has a long-term future will depend on its new models, notably the new Fiat Punto.

ECONOMIST: So easy to pinpoint what is wrong, so hard to put it right

Beckham is not part of United's long-term plan, but luring the new breed may depend on raking in cash from the sale of England's captain.

BBC: Beckham's transfer options