So are we ready to battle a pandemic strain of bird flu if this new virus picks up the capacity to more efficiently spread from person to person?

FORBES: We're Not Prepared For China's Deadly Bird Flu

There is a slowly emerging recognition within the military that those combined pressures affect the troops who battle the war from afar in some of the same ways that strain forces on the front lines.

NPR: AP IMPACT: Combat Stress Felt Far From Front Lines

As companies battle with high interest charges and paralysed investment projects, businessmen are showing signs of strain.

ECONOMIST: Chile