Brazil

The International Monetary Fund believes it. Politicians, economists and consumer groups the world over believe it. And the leaders of Britain, Canada, France, South Korea and the United States have said it: the ongoing recovery from the world's worst economic crisis in decades may thwart efforts to reform the financial system that created the mess.

`Tis the season for cherished holiday traditions: decorating, caroling, wrapping gifts and, of course, chasing a drunken turkey in the backyard.

Now, I have not personally participated in the latter, but my parents have. As children, they were both tasked with running after turkeys that had been liquored up with a few rounds of potent "aguardiente."

One base is closed, a replacement is sought and suddenly South America is up in arms. Presidents of Brazil and Chile, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Michelle Bachelet, are troubled by the idea. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez warns about potential war. And South America leaders call an extraordinary summit to demand explanations.

I am not from Fargo. Far from it. But through the years I've come to know the North Dakota city of about 100,000 people along the Red River through my husband, who grew up there. I've been to weddings, baptisms, class reunions and those other important events that make up the life of a family. Most recently Fargo has been on our minds as we nervously followed news of a historic flood.