In his hands is a piece of transparent nylon string, similar to the kind used for fishing lines, but only a few inches in length.

Particularly on the nuclear issue, which, for Iranian diplomacy, dominates most others, Rowhani must walk a political tightrope.

Having served as the IMF s chief economist from 2001 to 2003, I am familiar with the Fund s need to walk a tightrope between building investor confidence and shaking up complacent policymakers.

Solidarity and predictability in international relations, based on common institutions and common interests, would ensure Europe s prosperity and stability much more effectively than had the traditional balancing act of high wire diplomacy, whose practitioners had too often crashed to the ground.

With just a year and a half to go before the next scheduled general election, Singh must walk a tightrope sending the right signals to global investors that India remains open (and profitable) for business, while assuring voters that he has their interests and concerns in mind.

Having served as the IMF s chief economist from 2001 to 2003, I am familiar with the Fund s need to walk a tightrope between building investor confidence and shaking up complacent policymakers. But it is one thing to be circumspect in the midst of a crisis it is quite another to spew nonsense.