His first job should be to calm tensions on the Thai-Cambodian border, where Mr Thaksin's friendship with Cambodia's prime minister, Hun Sen, could come in handy.

ECONOMIST: Thailand��s new government

The Fed should always be the calm centre of a financial storm.

ECONOMIST: The markets

Adults should try to be calm and avoid appearing anxious or frightened themselves, and reassure children that their own, ordinary buildings were not at risk.

BBC: City schools re-open with counselling

This dispute should be settled in a calm, fair and peaceful way based on international law.

ECONOMIST: Letters

The Russians and French, Iraq's supporters to the extent that they believe sanctions should soon be partially lifted, tried to calm things down.

ECONOMIST: Saddam does it, again