The dispute over Mr Jaafari's leadership has poisoned Iraqi politics to the extent that, until a week ago, nearly three months after December's elections, the two sides could not even agree to convene the newly elected parliament by the constitutional deadline of March 15th.

ECONOMIST: Iraq

Shares have remained below the 50 day average up until about a week ago, when the stock made an attempt to breakout above it, but was shunned by broad market weakness.

FORBES: Bank On Mortgage Lenders With Undervalued Flagstar

Until a year ago it was not uncommon in a single week to have the funerals of three young kids.

FORBES: The Rwanda Cure

Gordon's head was last seen a week ago, but it was not until Sunday's kids' club event the theft was noticed.

BBC: Gordon the Gorilla

Barely a week ago, with the parliament due to last until October 2013, he was poised to call an early election which he seemed likely to win.

ECONOMIST: Israel and Palestine

Cottonwood Heights police cited Thomas Cobb a week ago for failure to have an exotic pet permit and told him he had until Friday to get rid of all but one of his 29 boa constrictors.

NPR: Collector Keeps His 29 Boa Constrictors _ For Now