LB's motley owners have to pick Mr Sengera's successor, who will have to cope with the conflicting political and economic interests of the bank's shareholders, a rising cost of funds and a declining credit rating.

ECONOMIST: Germany's Landesbanks

The future of the Cook Inlet belugas is caught between the competing, and sometimes conflicting, interests of environmentalists, conservation scientists, native Alaskans and economic developers.

ECONOMIST: Environment