The wonders of international trade never cease to amaze.

The FTA that's been on the table between Australia and the US for the last 5 years appears about to collapse as, from all reports in Australia indicate, the US refuses to budge on agricultural protection.

Strange that a free-marketeering country like the US is so keen to open markets in other countries, yet so hesitant to open its own. Oh, to the power of lobby groups and industry!

And, to top it all off, World Bank President James Wolfensohn came out today and commented that he didn't like bilateral trade agreements, as they fragmented the world's economy and reinforced structural inequalities (don't quote me on the exact words though).

Oh well, at least the US media is caught up in something meaningful - like Janet Jackson's breast.

peace, Mossy