THE Colombian elite, like their counterparts in India, are proud of the special relationship their government has forged with the United States. When most other countries in the region are railing against the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the U.S., the Colombian government is looking forward to its ratification. It is another matter that the Obama administration is taking its time to do so.

THE Netherlands, a small country in Europe with a population smaller than 16 million, is the second largest exporter of agricultural and horticultural produce in the world after the United States.

A powerful earthquake in the early hours of December 26 leaves in its trail death and destruction of unimaginable proportions in the Iranian heritage city of Bam.