Such are their appetites for success that they struggle simply being in the present.

WSJ: Kentucky Basketball's New Death Star

While the triangular tussle between Sunnis, Shias and Kurds has at least a chance of being settled, a struggle for dominance between the Shia factions is proceeding apace.

ECONOMIST: Iraq

But without a regular sports team - an idea to play NFL games there appears to have stalled for the time being - they would struggle to justify their bid.

BBC: Deadline set for 2012 London Olympics stadium bids

"We are humbled by the privilege of being tasked to care for her in her final struggle, " Mr Loh said.

BBC: Delhi gang-rape victim dies in hospital in Singapore

He told jurors that neither officer was accused of being responsible for his death, but "having detained him following a struggle, each neglected his duty, each failed to take reasonable and proper care of him and, through that neglect, though plainly not with that intention, allowed him to die in front of them without taking action to seek to prevent it".

BBC: Pc Neil Bowdery (left) and Pc Maurice Leigh

They are going to struggle but, if I am being a bit selfish, I hope they beat Australia because for New Zealand, that will be an easier route to the final.

BBC: Zinzan Brooke column

The aim there is to work out whether part of the spectrum which is being auctioned late next year will provide a mobile broadband alternative for people who struggle to get a decent service down a fixed line.

BBC: Our 4G future

For all the laws being passed and tests being handed out, America's public schools continue to struggle.

NPR: Seeking Solutions for the Nation's Broken Schools