Word: clouts
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: all
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
...apple pie or corn-based ethanol. As Ralph Grossi, president of the American Farmland Trust, told the Wall Street Journal, farmers are perceived as “hard working, salt of the earth, a core part of our culture.” Perhaps this sentiment, combined with the political clout of farming states like Iowa and the $80 million big agriculture poured into lobbying last year, explains why congressional attempts at reform have been slow in coming, and met with considerable resistance. Just recently, a group representing the American Farm Bureau Federation has been brining in farmers from Iowa...
...Maliki government turned a blind eye to this murderous campaign, blaming only "rogue" elements of the Mahdi Army. Given Sadr's political clout, a direct confrontation could have brought down the government. Besides, with Sunni insurgents and al-Qaeda terrorists still attacking Shi'ite neighborhoods, an offensive against the Mahdi Army would likely have been unpopular with Shi'ites of all classes...
...risks were already apparent when Dean and the DNC made their original fateful decision. Last May, Republican Florida Governor Charlie Crist and the state's G.O.P.-controlled legislature - fed up with what they call an absurd presidential primary process that gives small states like Iowa and New Hampshire inordinate clout - decided to leapfrog Florida's primary from March to Jan. 29. The move violated Democratic as well as Republican party rules, but many if not most Florida Democrats also supported it. Still, the DNC ruled that all 210 of Florida's Democratic nominating delegates would be annulled. It exacted...
Egypt, with a population of roughly 76 million individuals, is the most populous nation in the Arab world and a major player in Middle Eastern politics. It has significant clout in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, and last year also attempted to serve as an intermediary between Israel and Hezbollah. While it is certainly not a liberal, democratic state, Egypt largely embraces secularism, pragmatism, and the West. Now that Iraq is not a major power player, a secular and friendly nation such as Egypt is necessary for maintaining the balance of power and checking Iran. If Egypt were...
...late this year or early in 2009. Fidel still holds his post as head of the party, and Sunday's results were a reminder that its power clearly rivals - if not exceeds - that of Raul's position as head of state. If Raul and his allies can wrest that clout from the Fidelistas, change in Cuba is expected to have more breathing space. Until then, it stands to look more like an old man who needs a canister of oxygen...