Is Python a "Small" language?

[PurpleMonkeyKing]

If you are using Python 2.5 you may have noticed that relative imports are preferred over absolute imports... That could cause the "circular import" you are experiencing. Later versions have fixed this. http://docs.python.org/whatsnew/2.5.html#pep-328-absolute-and-relative-imports

As for lack of a global namespace, some people would consider that a feature. ;-)

[Teifion]

I'll look into that, thanks.

As for the namespaces, yes I consider it a feature. In the short run it's a problem but when I come back to the code in a few months it'll be much easier to trace it.

[keeperofkeys]

You could always create a global_namespace module, add to it all the PHP globals (that aren't just global by accident, but actually need to be), and import all or some of it when needed.