In essence, the IMF's defenders are saying, that they have done their best in uncertain circumstances, and tried to learn from their mistakes.

ECONOMIST: Calling the wrong shots? | The

"England have always played their best cricket when they've gone out onto the field and tried to stamp their authority on the opposition, " he said.

BBC: Collingwood plans positive style

But, in a system which was sinking deeper under pressure, their best was never going to be enough, no matter how hard they tried.

BBC: Death on the Wards revisited

By then, the Ethiopians will have tried to reach Asmara and the Eritreans, who are at their fiercest when cornered, will have done their best to stop them.

ECONOMIST: Ethiopia��s and Eritrea��s forgotten war, resumed