In addition, of course, he is alert to the opportunity thus offered to chide and condemn the UK government.

BBC: Alex Salmond keeps the faith

The Supreme Court has declined to chide him for overthrowing the elected government of Nawaz Sharif in October.

ECONOMIST: Pakistan

The junta complained to the Vatican, but whatever Rome's own misgivings about the cardinal, it declined to chide him.

ECONOMIST: Raul Silva Henriquez

Their brief tenure at the helm of the interim government reveals little, though observers chide them for allowing some dubious investment schemes to keep going.

ECONOMIST: Albania

Even Betty Boothroyd, the House's unflappable speaker, who announced her retirement this week, has had to chide the government for telling the Commons everything last.

ECONOMIST: The constitution bites back

Consumer affairs minister Dr Kim Howells, the MP for Pontypridd, said they were "all a bit bonkers", while his boss, Trade and Industry Secretary Stephen Byers, has already appeared to chide the countess.

BBC: Sophie's woes fuel monarchy debate

Farther afield, China's eagerness to do business in Myanmar, and its consequent reluctance to chide the tyrannical generals that run the place, helped to prevent a forceful international response to the violent repression of peaceful demonstrations there last year.

ECONOMIST: A ravenous dragon | The