When the big three flew to Belgrade in a last-ditch bid to avoid war, Germany got no place aboard the aircraft.

ECONOMIST: Germany comes out of its post-war shell

In a last-ditch bid to persuade the ayatollah to accept the caucuses, Mr Bremer is looking at ways to make them more open.

ECONOMIST: The troublesome, vote-loving ayatollah | The

In contrast, Qwest was seen to be making its bid as a last ditch-effort to stay afloat in the increasingly competitive telecommunications industry.

FORBES: Qwest's Desperate Deal