MURDOCH, Western Australia (JP): It's a political truism

MURDOCH, Western Australia (JP): It's a political truism "down-under" that Australia's stability and security is inextricably linked to that of Indonesia. Fortunately, it is a fundamentally solid relationship that most long-time observers in both countries believe is comprehensive and textured enough to weather the periodic storms that naturally engulf two neighbors.

2. 4IMF -- Shorter IMF meetings hand protesters hollow victory 1 x 42 36pt Optima Bold Shorter IMF meetings victory for protesters? By Mark Egan

WASHINGTON (Reuters): Anti-globalization protesters may have won a hollow victory by forcing a shorter IMF annual meeting, leaving precious little time to work on problems facing the world's poorest people.

Protesters have criticized the International Monetary Fund and World Bank as undemocratic bodies that formulate ill-suited austerity plans for poor nations behind closed doors. But the lenders counter that they reduce poverty by promoting stronger economic growth and more free trade.