PARIS – No sooner did US President Barack Obama welcome home American troops from Iraq and laud that country’s stability and democracy than an unprecedented wave of violence – across Baghdad and elsewhere – revealed the severity of Iraq’s political crisis.

We may need short-term decisions to overcome the crisis, but we want our leaders to keep the long-term perspective of sustainability, which simply means that, by meeting our everyday needs, we don’t restrict the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

NEW YORK – Nothing illustrates better the political crosscurrents, special interests, and shortsighted economics now at play in Europe than the debate over the restructuring of Greece’s sovereign debt. Germany insists on a deep restructuring – at least a 50% 'haircut' for bondholders – whereas the European Central Bank (ECB) insists that any debt restructuring must be voluntary.

It’s amazing what you can get used to, how a warped world can become seen as normal. Take European summits. We’ve all got used to seeing the great and good arrive, followed by the politicians. Yeah, I know a cheap shot but what the Hell.