An episode not entirely lacking in usefulness. Now that the storm has died down somewhat, we can speak with the benefit of hindsight about the criticisms and attacks that seemed to be an attempt to bring down Romano Prodi and his Commission. Over and above the unjustifiable excess and certain lies, with distance we can observe that this episode was not entirely lacking in usefulness. It forced the Commission itself to tighten ranks after an examination of conscience; it led certain Heads of...