Even if there is a bailout, Cyprus can expect a similar regressive spiral of austerity, unemployment and low growth.
Europe
For the first time, Hungary's national football team was ordered to play its World Cup qualifier behind closed doors.
Off the island's shores lies what looks like 60 trillion cubic feet of gas, which could mean the end of its troubles.
Shopkeepers hope Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope in church history, will be as bankable as his predecessors.
Journalists speculate the outcome of the Papal conclave while waiting for a decision from the cardinals.
Failed bombing suspect claims innocence; say action was simply form of protest
Vatican watchers will often remind journalists of the saying: "He who goes into conclave a Pope, comes out a cardinal".
With Easter approaching, is Pope Benedict suggesting that it is also time for the church to renew itself in some way?
Though the big rallies might have stopped, they have not given up voicing their opposition to Putin's government.
Violence escalates in Belfast as many in impoverished areas feel left behind by the peace process.
What news events will dominate 2013? Here are ten predictions.