Political Masterstroke Award

• The Chadian government takes third place for its wishful thinking.  Following the recent rebel attack in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, Sudan suspended diplomatic relations with Chad, which it has blamed for the violence.  In response, a Chadian government spokesman announced that the border between the two countries would be 'airtight.'  Unfortunately, the 1400 km border is notoriously porous and is routinely breached by Darfur-based rebels on both sides.  The Chadian government cannot possibly ensure the security of its borders.

• Russia's new Prime Minister Vladimir Putin takes second place.  This week, new President Dmitry Medvedev rubber-stamped Putin's cabinet which includes no fewer than seven deputy premiers and comprises many familiar faces.  While there appear to have been a few concessions to Medvedev and the economic liberals, it is now clear that Putin has created a new power nexus within the Russian political system.
• The German Government wins this week's Masterstroke. Berlin has managed to avoid receiving the Dalai Lama, a visit that had potential to damage Germany's diplomatic relations with China.   Chancellor Angela Merkel has headed for Peru where she will take part in the EU-Latin America (EUROLAC) summit.  Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier will be on a business trip to Belgium for a week.