Mr Espiritu had a deft touch in the bond markets: last year, the country's nimble fund-raising efforts allowed it to make good its budget shortfall at impressively low interest rates.

ECONOMIST: The Philippines

Last year the country had a bumper year because of good rains, and the Food and Agriculture Organisation expects another good season this year.

BBC: Gambia struggles with economic reform

So I hope that the kind of posturing we've seen from both sides in the last few months -and years, for that matter - will soon end, for the country's good.

NPR: Democrats Starting to Form an Iraq Strategy

He's still only a boy, but physically he has got stronger this last year and he's looking as good as any left-sided player in the country.

BBC: Gareth Bale will not leave Tottenham - Harry Redknapp

In fact, I was out of the country just last week, and I was once again reminded that none of my credit cards are particularly good for international travel.

FORBES: Best Credit Cards for International Travel?