Rather than wanting to go it alone, the new German government may well prove hyper-active in seeking international co-operation.

ECONOMIST: Germany

After completing a three-year enlistment on active duty at Fort Hood, Texas, I joined the U.S. Army Reserves in February 1987, and in February 1990, I was deployed for active duty with 279th Maintenance Company, Dallas, Texas, for Operation Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia.

WHITEHOUSE: The Gift to Make a Positive Change

Ecuador countered by releasing what purports to be Reyes's diary, which implicates disgraced former aides of Mr Correa in accepting FARC money but not the president himself. (Colombia reckons the document is fabricated.) Until it gets active co-operation from all its neighbours in fighting the FARC and other drug traffickers, Colombia will conclude that it must rely on American support.

ECONOMIST: Colombia and its neighbours

While the stock price has doubled over the past year (it will split 2-for-1 in late May), Longbow Research's David S. MacGregor likes that the company is active in the growing South and that it operates both a recycling business and a global distribution operation that can offset downturns in domestic steel demand.

FORBES: Solid Foundation