And by far from leaving Iraq, the United States is going to deepen our engagement with you as we build a comprehensive relationship with a sovereign power.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House

Electoral reform in Scotland and Wales has achieved its object of ensuring that a party without a majority of the votes cannot claim the arbitrary power of a sovereign majority, though the prime minister appears to have been surprised to discover that this was the case.

BBC: Russell: The state remains the same

Finally, and most important in the near-term, were the meetings that occurred Monday in Baghdad in which the Coalition Provisional Authority formally handed over power to a sovereign Iraqi government and its new members were sworn into office.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Watch this space

And America's friendship with Britain disqualifies it from pressuring the unionists or from taking centre stage in a way that would seem to usurp Britain's role as sovereign power, or harm British national interests.

ECONOMIST: The disturbing niceness of George Mitchell

Still, forward-looking corporate and sovereign statements point to demand growth in the second half, although summer power shortages are a risk.

FORBES: Market Nuggets: Record Set Monday For Open Interest In Nymex Platinum Options