Angry taxpayers have been complaining about unusually long wait times and, perhaps most frustrating, a complete lack of information about the delays and the next steps.

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While methane is a cleaner source of energy than oil or coal when burnt, on its own it is an unusually powerful heat-trapping agent -- perhaps 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

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Perhaps more tellingly, as Israel enters its own election season unusually bereft of inspiring leaders, the same poll revealed that, among younger Israelis, it is Mr Obama who is strongly favoured to win.

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However, Colas was perhaps smart to raise a flag on this one, which shows markets are acting unusually, and that tells us that uncertainty is still plaguing investors in equities.

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That, perhaps, is the most pressing reason why so many of America's friends want, unusually in a presidential election, to see a change at the top, even one laden with risk.

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