Meanwhile Kaoru Yosano, the new economy minister with a clear sense of what needs to be done to overhaul the country's finances in the face of an ageing population, was ordered to cobble together a fiscal-stimulus package in response to panicky (and probably unfounded) fears that the economy was tipping into a deep recession again.

ECONOMIST: Japan

The army intervened at Nudo de Paramillo not only out of constitutional duty but also in response to a request by the local mayor to protect the civilian population.

ECONOMIST: Soka Gakkai reply

Experts say the move was a response to social discrimination against low castes in Punjab, where close to 30 percent of the population is Dalit, the highest in any Indian state.

CNN: India's 'untouchables' declare own religion

One of the central criticisms of government response to Katrina centers on the failure to reach out to the's city large impoverished population and make sure people were aware of mandatory evacuation orders and had the means to flee.

CNN: Campaign reportedly urged self-reliance for poor