To the neutral observer, the series, bringing together two well-matched teams, is an intriguing and unpredictable prospect.

ECONOMIST: The India-Pakistan cricket series

It is tempting to blame Nicos Sampson for all of Cyprus's misfortunes but a neutral observer could find other culprits.

ECONOMIST: Nicos Sampson

In the absence of a neutral observer force, it is easy for all sides to claim ceasefire violations, and for the fighting to begin all over again.

ECONOMIST: War and peace in Congo | The

Although a country might, under certain circumstances, choose to rely to some extent on another country for military intelligence, this is less likely to be the case when the second country is doing its monitoring not as an ally, but as an impartial or neutral observer, as would be the status of any U.S. forces deployed on the Golan under an Israeli-Syrian agreement.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center for Security Policy | What hazards along the road to Damascus? Mission impossible