Barack Obama's choice of foreign policy heavyweights is significant for its ambition rather than its caution. If he really does want to recast America's relationship with the world, surrounding himself with seasoned players will make the task easier not harder, says Philip Stephens

The biggest error was to take too seriously voices clamouring for a path to sound finance once the recession is over, writes Samuel Brittan

There is perhaps less trust between the French and German governments than at any time in the past 20 years, writes Charles Grant

If the understanding of economics within government is radically incomplete, it is worse in society generally, writes Jesse Norman

Robert Rubin needs to find a way to make up for his part in Citi's downfall. My suggestion is that, in addition to giving up his bonus for this year and last, he returns the bonuses he got in 2005 and 2006, when Citi's risk-taking ratcheted up, writes John Gapper

The witch-finders have overreached themselves in claiming that banks are unreasonably cutting off credit to viable small companies, says Jonathan Guthrie

A majority of French citizens now have a positive opinion of their president, but they are also deeply pessimistic and apprehensive, warns Dominique Moisi

It is time to suspend unquestioned faith in a quick return to the past and adjust to the reality of change, writes Mohamed El-Erian

A country's underlying institutions need to be impartial and dependable. That is not the case in Thailand, writes David Pilling

Surplus countries must expand domestic demand relative to potential output. Only in this way can the deficit countries realistically hope to avoid spending themselves into bankruptcy, writes Martin Wolf

It simply must address the implications of Pakistan's implosion – its rapidly deteriorating capacity to act like a sovereign state, writes Sunil Khilnani

The technological capabilities of China and India create more commercial opportunities than threats, writes John Kay

Only very aggressive and co-ordinated policy actions will ensure the global economy recovers in 2010 rather than facing protracted stagnation and deflation, writes Nouriel Roubini

Full of rich foreigners and the local elite, smart hotels are prestige targets for terrorists. The only long-term solution, says Gideon Rachman, is to strengthen Pakistan's civilian politicians who realise that the country's past support for jihadist movements has backfired

If the police think that they can discard due process, they have been taking their cue from the government. Philip Stephens on the Damian Green affair