The world this week

摘要

The process of selecting a presidential candidate for the Republican Party got under way, with Mitt Romney eking out the narrowest of victories (by eight votes) in the Iowa caucuses over Rick Santorum, hitherto a no-hoper in the race. Ron Paul came a close third and Newt Gingrich was some way behind in fourth place. Mr Santorum won the support of many social conservatives and evangelicals. Those who said they were looking for the best candidate to beat Barack Obama opted for Mr Romney. Michele Bachmann, a teaparty favourite, ended her bid for the presidency after coming sixth in Iowa. Asserting some new-found presidential backbone as he enters an election year, Barack Obama appointed several people to executive positions over the heads of the Senate, which is in recess and where Republicans have held up the nominations. Chief among Mr Obama's recess appointments is Richard Cordray as boss of the new and controversial Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.