News of the financial meltdown of Dubai World, a quasi-sovereign global concern that owns 77% of the international port manager DP World and the single largest real estate developer in Dubai known for its palm-tree shaped luxury residential developments, has raced from the business pages to the headlines of the front pages in a matter of days.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: The double-edged sword

Chris Dodd and Rep. Barney Frank played large roles in our recent financial disaster, encouraging the government-backed, quasi-public agencies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to keep funding and guaranteeing mortgages for those who would not otherwise qualify.

FORBES: This Week in Credit Card News

For three decades they have acted as quasi-official regulators of public debt markets, and yet enjoyed the fat fees of financial intermediaries, all the while escaping the brunt of attacks on bankers, auditors and the rest of the financial industry.

ECONOMIST: Credit-rating agencies