Rudd refuses to be impaled on dilemmas
Kevin Rudd, Australia's recently elected prime minister, is watching his country being pulled in several directions at once. A natural resource and investment boom are dragging its febrile economy towards China, while climate change and water shortages are threatening its longer-term future. It is an interesting time for a Sinophilic internationalist to take control. For the moment, Mr Rudd, who has made a confident start since his resounding victory in November's election, seems convinced he can manage. But tough decisions in both domestic and foreign policy are pressing.