Barack Obama, the US president elect, had a ready audience this week when he spoke of repairing the country’s image among Muslims and the international community – issues he trumpeted on the campaign trail that last month led him to victory. What exactly he will have to do to restore good relations depends on whom you ask. But all agree that actually fixing the ties will be an uphill battle.

US debates if President Bush will, or should, preemptively pardon those involved in harsh interrogations – and arguably torture.