He describes how, to his great alarm, the algae started to spread, slowly but inexorably, choking off all indigenous life in its path.

ECONOMIST: Small things often hold big secrets

While no one can accurately predict how protracted the conflict in Libya will play out, how powerful will other uprisings be, and at what point and in what way this will spread, investors can be sure that the price of oil will be on a volatile path in the months to come.

FORBES: What Will Oil At $100 Or More Mean For The Economic Recovery?

Nonetheless, the clash of debt cultures has thrown obstacles in the path of resolving the crisis, with Germany emphasizing individual national responsibilities and others seeking to spread the debts they took on to other, stronger governments.

WSJ: Lessons for Euro From Two Revolutions