Though they bring problems of resistance, it is no longer possible to argue plausibly that they cannot be given to even the poorest Africans.

ECONOMIST: AIDS

Some economists argue plausibly that signs of slowing consumer spending are already apparent: Simon Briscoe, an economist at Nikko Europe, a securities firm, points out that a whole host of economic variables, from car registrations to retail sales, are weaker than they were six months ago.

ECONOMIST: The economy

Both countries can plausibly argue that their debt loads are sustainable.

ECONOMIST: The euro crisis, part 394

But it has been able to argue (not always plausibly) that these deals are entered into only when they provide better value than old-style procurement (which, to be fair, also has its problems).

ECONOMIST: Defence spending