The financial crisis and the threat of recession are revealing German Chancellor Angela Merkel's weaknesses and could contribute to a dramatic change in her party's prospects in next year's election. The Social Democrats, sensing an opportunity, are already planning their attack.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel had not seemed quite this alone for some time as she stood posing for a photograph surrounded by the 16 male governors of Germany's states. The men, smiling their politicians' smiles, look more grim than friendly, while Merkel's smile seems more tortured than anything else.