Elsewhere on the continent, I expect turbulence to continue in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo and sadly much against all hope I suspect Boko Haram attacks in Nigeria to continue.

BBC: African Viewpoint: Predictions for 2013

Against all other depredators there is a hope of defending oneself.

FORBES: Move up http://i.forbesimg.com t Move down

We can hope that even in the face of all the backlash against globalization a deep desire on the part of "economic man" for more and better will carry the day.

FORBES: Magazine Article

If the Clinton Administration has become a party to the Iraqgate cover-up, however, it can be expected to resort to the ultimate step: dropping some (if not all) of the charges against Christopher Drogoul in the hope of limiting further revelations.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center for Security Policy | ��Something Is Rotten In The State Of����? Why Is This Administration Joining The Bush Iraq Gate Cover-Up?

However, he continues: "There are nevertheless all too many darker episodes to set against these signs of hope and light".

BBC: Archbishop sends message for Eid

Yet for all the factors working against any sort of agreement in Kyoto, the last hope of controlling that change may depend on what happens there this week.

CNN: Hot Air In Kyoto