It was unfortunate enough for Mr Hague that she wanted to speak in defence of Augusto Pinochet.

ECONOMIST: A stirring in the attic

"It's not really our job to comment on it, " said Hamilton, neatly skirting the issue, despite it being suggested to him that, as world champion, he had a responsibility to speak in defence of the sport.

BBC: F1 returns to scene of the crime

So Mr Obama is right again along with other Western leaders to speak out forcefully in defence of the opposition.

ECONOMIST: Iran in turmoil