They issued a 15-point declaration full of fine words about loving God and one's neighbour, but omitting any reference to the thorny problems of apostasy and religious conversion in the Middle East.

BBC: Reaching across the religious divide

The battle has sparked some fiery words, at least by the standards of consensus-loving Japan.

ECONOMIST: Japan

As Viktor Navorski, a stolid, jazz-loving bachelor from Eastern Europe, Tom Hanks speaks only a few words of English and walks with his feet turned out in a rapid waddle.

NEWYORKER: The Terminal