In America, for instance, political gridlock will prevent any progress in dealing with the country's medium-term deficit problem, even as it enshrines short-term tightening.

ECONOMIST: Leaders

While we have made tremendous progress in learning how to prevent and treat HIV, including among women and girls, much work remains.

WHITEHOUSE: We Want to Hear from You

Fortunately, through the combined support of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), other US Government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and others, progress in developing new technologies that prevent HIV infection has been notable.

WHITEHOUSE: Office of National AIDS Policy Blog

Campus Progress was instrumental in leading the charge to prevent student loan interest rates from doubling and through programs in activism, journalism, and events, Campus Progress engages and inspires a diverse group of young leaders to take action.

WHITEHOUSE: Introducing Carson's Corner

However, election-year politics stymied progress on such a deal, leading to the situation Friday in which both sides acknowledged being unable to prevent something neither wanted.

CNN: Obama signs order activating deep spending cuts