However, some Shia analysts are convinced that a US-Iranian understanding may yet emerge to head off that scenario.

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This scenario is commonly referred to as 'head-lighting' because it looks like the dark space on the road between the headlights of a car.

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The implications are unusual in that in this scenario the media agency moves to the head of the line, and assumes the role traditionally reserved for the creative agency.

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Under this scenario, Mr Hollande could stay as party head even if Mr Strauss-Kahn, say, became the official candidate.

ECONOMIST: The French Socialist Party

My scenario goes like this: Dominique Strauss-Kahn is forced to resign as head of the IMF because of those problems over his former mistress and then Gordon Brown takes over as the self-styled saviour of the financial world.

BBC: Martha Kearney's week

In a more optimistic scenario, a recovering economy might encourage the Federal Reserve to start increasing rates to head off inflation.

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