But the al-Qaeda-linked group's fighters are still highly active in much of the countryside in southern and central Somalia and have carried out attacks in cities they no longer control.

BBC: Somali and African Union troops enter Kismayo

After December's severe budget, the sense that public finances are no longer out of control will boost confidence, and not only in financial markets (the opposite of what is happening in Greece, see article).

ECONOMIST: The Irish economy

With Mr Breuer no longer in full control of Mr Mitchell and his cohorts, he may even be forced out before his planned retirement in 2002.

ECONOMIST: German banking: Death of a deal | The