In effect, therefore, it would mean permanent immunity.

ECONOMIST: Court quarrel continues | The

But the Europeans argue that, for the court to make a credible claim to even-handedness, no one can be guaranteed a permanent blanket immunity from its reach.

ECONOMIST: A last-minute reprieve at the UN, but no end to hostilities

It matters, of course, whether this immunity from criticism is a transient phenomenon or a permanent one.

ECONOMIST: The people��s prince | The