● THE JAPAN TIMES

Japan hasn?t seen his like before, but what did the populist PM really achieve?

Elvis impersonator? Japan?s Thatcher? Faction buster? Nah, as the curtain falls on the Koizumi show, he will be remembered above all for his missed opportunities and self-indulgent gestures at Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo ? that, and steamrollering the Constitution?s war-renouncing Article 9 into oblivion.At a time when one of the most critical issues facing Japan is the startling emergence of China as a superpower, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi single-handedly derailed bilateral relations and postponed a critical top-level dialogue between Asia?s main powers. As Japan?s bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council imploded, territorial disputes festered, and China proved conspicuously unhelpful on North Korean missile launches, the costs of alienating Beijing are clear. Climbing out of this deep hole is his successor?s daunting challenge.

● DAILY MAIL

Blair pinched speech from «The Grapes of Wrath»

His promise to the party faithful that he would «always» be with them earned Tony Blair a seven-minute standing ovation. But the Labour conference may have been slightly less overawed if they had realised that the Prime minister had based the finale to his farewell speech on the words of a fugitive double murderer. Mr Blair has confided to friends that he drew inspiration for his big sign-off from a favourite passage of John Steinbeck?s 1939 classic The Grapes of Wrath.

The Premier ended his last conference speech by telling delegates : «Whatever you do, I?m always with you. Head and heart. Next year I won?t be making this speech. But in the years to come, wherever I am, whatever I do, I?m with you. Wishing you well, wanting you to win.» He later admitted he had borrowed heavily from a speech by Tom Joad, the central character of Steinbeck?s Pulitzer prize-winning novel about the Great Depression. Joad, played by Henry Fonda in the film version, tells his mother he is going to come out of hiding to confront a gang of vigilantes, one of whose number he had earlier killed. Knowing he is likely to be murdered himself, Joad tells his tearful mother that he will always be with her in spirit. «I?ll be everywhere ? wherever you look,» he says. «Wherever there?s a fight so hungry people can eat, I?ll be there. Wherever there?s a cop beatin? up a guy, I?ll be there... an? when our folks eat the stuff they raise an? live in the houses they build ? why, I?ll be there. See?»

● THE REAL TRUTH MAGAZINE

A Superpower in the making?

The rise of this growing nation will change the balance of power in Asia ? and potentially the world. With nearly 1.1 billion inhabitants, India is the second largest country on earth in population, and seventh largest in geographical area, over 1.1 million square miles. This is almost 1,000 people for every square mile of area nationwide ? much denser than even China. Since achieving independence from British rule in 1947, it has seen its share of conflict, struggle and setbacks. Although India still faces many challenges, it is now poised to reach a higher position on the world scene than at any previous time. The Indian economy has grown an average of around 6% annually over the past decade and 8 % per year over the past three years ? among the fastest rates in the world. It boasts an emerging middle class and increasing gross domestic product, exports, employment and foreign investment. This is complemented by a roaring stock market (index value up by a third in 2005 and by 200 % since 2001), low external debt and large foreign exchange reserves. Recent visits from leaders and officials from the United States, France, Germany and Russia have spotlighted India?s rise. These wealthier nations see India as a trading partner with enormous potential.

● VATICAN NEWS

Pope urges religious tolerance, openness to others

Still under a cloud for recent remarks about Islam, Pope Benedict called for tolerance of other religions and cultures and said a rebirth of faith could help foster this openness in western countries. The German Pontiff told Berlin?s new ambassador to the Vatican that the Roman Catholic Church would never force anyone to accept the teachings of Jesus Christ. Muslim leaders worldwide have criticised Benedict for a speech two weeks ago hinting that Islam had been spread by the sword and brought only evil to the world. The Pope has expressed regret at the uproar four times but has not withdrawn his words. Benedict also used the occasion to reiterate his opposition to abortion, civil unions and embryonic stem cell research .