The Americans will be judging whether Mr Roh is close to breaking point, or simply a crafty politician trying to outwit his enemies.

ECONOMIST: Roh's woes | The

But he is a crafty, old-style politician, and this week he may yet have made his mark on Brazilian history albeit much as, on grand buildings like the Planalto, roosting pigeons make theirs.

ECONOMIST: Itamar Franco takes his revenge