Nor can Mr Pujol afford to thumb his nose at Madrid.

ECONOMIST: A survey of Spain

Though Germany may be readier than others to give him the benefit of doubt, the West is unlikely to welcome Belarus, under Mr Lukashenka's thumb, as a prospective candidate to western clubs.

ECONOMIST: Slavic disunion? | The

Even the cynical admit that Chicago, already an architectural gem, is a prettier city because of Mr Daley's green thumb and fastidious housekeeping.

ECONOMIST: Mayor Daley��s arboretum