Oil prices on Monday hit a new high amid fears over low fuel stocks as the northern hemisphere winter approaches and renewed concern about the security of supplies. Brent crude futures soared to a record a barrel, the highest price in the history of the International Petroleum Exchange.

The opposite ends of Africa have drifted further apart following a diplomatic clash between Morocco and South Africa over who should rule Western Sahara. The two countries were beginning to patch up relations after their rival bids to host the 2010 soccer World Cup — Morocco was smarting over its loss — when South Africa formally recognised the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic.

The South African police and prosecution authorities on Monday denied arresting a man over the weekend in connection with an international investigation into Libya’s now abandoned nuclear weapons programme. Weekend reports said an engineer bearing dual Swiss/South African nationality was arrested in Cape Town. The man was suspected of selling nuclear equipment to Libya.

In these uncertain years at the beginning of the 21st century and Washington’s ”war on terror”, there are qualities middle America demands of a first lady, and Laura Bush seldom disappoints. Poise. Grace. Good manners. Good looks. Those are the admiring comments that follow the presidential spouse on the campaign trail.