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The Iowa caucuses have become part of America's democratic ritual. Iowa is where the potential presidential candidates begin to be winnowed away.

This year Mitt Romney has scraped through but one issue above all was central in determining the voters choice - the economy.

Of course, by the standards of what is happening in Europe, America is doing okay. Growing, albeit modestly. But, say many economists, that's only because, unlike Europe, the US choose not to embrace austerity. So was that decision right and has the time come to begin to cut spending?

To discuss this Justin Rowlatt interviews is joined by two senior figures in American economics. Doug Holtz-Eakin has been director of the Congressional Budget Office and is the former chief economic policy adviser to US Senator John and Troy Dafig is the senior US economist at Barclays Capital.

One of the big trends of last year was the growth of the global protest movement. Across the world demonstrators took place against politicians and financial institutions.

In amongst the protestors you have probably spotted people wearing a eerie mask with a thin moustache, a pointy beard and a sinister smirk. It has become a international symbol of protest.

So where does this mask come from and what does mean? Christmas Justin Rowlatt visited the Occupy London protest outside St Paul's with the man behind the mask, illustrator David Lloyd.

And finally all those online accounts we have....but have you ever tried to close one?
Our technology commentator Jeremy Wagstaff has and he's decided that it's time for a New Year's clear-out.