Not being a financial expert (by any stretch of any imagination) could interpret only a question regarding the article (and may not be relevant). Noticed Italy, and Spain are not listed in the third sentence (above). Does this mean Italy and Spain are out of danger (doubtful) or did the mention of the euro zone stated (by the author) the author believes the euro zone members are (all) headed for default and each will eventually be forced to go the way of Greece (in the author's opinion)?
Sorry Cronos for a question comment. The first paragraph placed a question in my thoughts. Wishing I was more literate on the matters regarding the euro zone. Thanks for the ping.
The Portuguese produce a little, but again they mostly can't grow themselves out of trouble, BUT their doo-doo isn't as deep as the Greeks, nowhere near as deep. They are getting battered by association
The Irish CAN grow themselves out of trouble and while their doo-doo depth (ddd) is worse than the Portuguese and much less than the Greeks, they still made a mistake of taking on their bank's debt -- unlike say Iceland which allowed its banks to go under and is much better for that. Arguably the Icelanders could do it as they were not part of the eurozone while the Irish were and had to follow the rules
Spain and Italy have problems, but they are much larger and have more depth in terms of varying industries that they can conceivably grow themselves out of problems.
The Greek case is hopeless in my opinion. The Irish is hopeful, if they can somehow wipe out their debt (also the real economy in Ireland is booming and since the salaries are lower and taxes are lower many companies are setting up shop or expanding there). The Portuguese situation is one of confidence. I believe that they can muddle along nicely if the speculators leave their bonds alone -- they've not done a lot of wrong with the cards they have been dealt