The food price crisis

The Economist comments that the political fallout from the rising costs of food has been "manageable - so far," recalling the warning of World Bank president Bob Zoellick: "He said 100 million people were being pushed into hunger and malnutrition - and 30-odd countries faced social upheaval unless food policy improved and the rich world got its act together to help. A month on, policy has not improved, and the rich world's response has mostly been muddled - yet surprisingly, poor countries have been able to contain the unrest, albeit at heavy cost. ... While donors squabble, poor countries face riots. But so far, these have had less political impact than many expected. Around 30 countries have suffered protests but only Haiti has seen its government fall."

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