The UK has withdrawn some embassy staff in Libya in response to "ongoing political uncertainty", the Foreign Office says.

BBC: UK withdraws some embassy staff from Libya

And frankly, if the economy were to stall here in response to a protracted rise in oil, the uncertainty in the Middle East, or renewed problems in Europe, they might have a point.

FORBES: So Does This Mean the Bull Market is Over?

Traders returned to panic mode on Tuesday in response to the rising price of oil and the growing uncertainty in what is now being referred to as MENA (Middle East, North Africa).

FORBES: First There Were PIIGS to Worry Over, Now We Have MENA

Like the muddled response in high finance, the reaction to this program on the ground is filled with uncertainty.

FORBES: City Governments and the Great Housing Beyond

Uncertainty in global economic and financial conditions poses a risk that consumers and businesses may defer purchases in response to negative financial events, which could negatively affect product demand and other related matters.

ENGADGET: Intel posts Q4 2012 earnings: $2.5 billion in profit on $13.5 billion in revenue

In reality, investors shifted funds from higher-risk to lower-risk assets in response to European sovereign risk worries and apparent weakening in the U.S. economy, as well as uncertainty created by the U.S. downgrade.

FORBES: Downgrade Follies