The arrival of Mr Obama represents something of a clean slate—though Spain’s recent unilateral withdrawal of soldiers from Kosovo, without warning, has not gone down too well in Washington.

There is, as well, a psychosocial dimension that survives our biological withdrawal, which is visible in the impact that we have had - for better or worse - on all of the people around us.

Well, I think a current account would be to your satisfaction. You can make withdrawal from the bank and the ATM anytime you like.