It is not difficult to have conversations in Greece where people say they never imagined that joining the EU would result in outsiders dictating policies to them.

BBC: Greece euro crisis: Most dangerous moment

"It's difficult to say exactly how much debris is expected to show up, and when and where, " said Dianna Parker, a spokeswoman with the NOAA Marine Debris Program.

MSN: When Will Japan's Tsunami Debris Hit North America?

It is difficult to say how far this trend towards satire and self-parody will run in a world where politicians appear to be less powerful and when they agree with each other on so many issues of substance.

BBC: Kebabbed: Part 4

"It is really difficult to say, " says Kathleen King, collections and science co-ordinator at Kew, where the specimens have been kept in unusually large pots for the first time.

BBC: The stink is upon California