The Alliance is a bold effort to reshape Canada's right by merging Reform, a federal neo-conservative party of Albertan origin, with sections of the Progressive Conservatives.

ECONOMIST: Alberta��s advantage poses some questions for Canada

In making his offer, Hefner said that he is not interested in selling or merging Playboy, selling shares to a third party or entering into discussions with any other financial sponsor because of his concern for the company's brand, the editorial direction of the magazine and the company's legacy.

FORBES

Iraq's oldest and possibly most popular Shia party, Dawa, slowly re-merging from the underground, also has reservations about Mr Sistani.

ECONOMIST: Iraq