Still, Mr Bush did say for the first time that America would help nudge the rivals towards a deal (he had previously said only that he would help broker an accord when Israel and Palestine were ready for it).

ECONOMIST: Foreign policy

Although Mr. Yigal says he only hoped the committee would help him make a "significant dent" in his expenses, some on the committee viewed it as an aggressive money grab.

WSJ: After Tragedy, City Suffers Second Trauma Over Victims' Fund

He said such moves would not only help increase revenue and reduce the deficit but also help shore up investor confidence, which he said had been dented recently.

BBC: India cuts economic growth forecast to 5%