In fact, there were growing fears at the World Bank-IMF sessions that speculation-hit Southeast Asian nations may pull back from moves to further open their financial-services markets, part of an initiative to conclude by Dec. 12 a new World Trade Organization deal to liberalize the global industry.

CNN: A QUESTION OF OPENNESS

In the meantime, the threat of possible criminal charges hanging over Mr Sharon may make Mr Bush wary of giving his open backing to the Israeli prime minister over the Gaza pull-out plan.

ECONOMIST: Chaos all round | The