That is the real reason Mr Lafontaine flounced so huffily out of office, deserting friends, colleagues and supporters without explanation or apology.

ECONOMIST: Oskar Lafontaine

Ever since it was revealed last month that Singapore's senior minister, Lee Kuan Yew, had made rude comments about the Malaysian state of Johor (which he said was crime-ridden), Malaysian leaders have been acting huffily hurt.

ECONOMIST: Malaysia