Word: fractious
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...However the current drama shakes out, the long-term prospects for Italy's political life appear bleak. Since eking out a win in April 2006 over controversial media mogul Berlusconi, Prodi's reign atop a fractious nine-party coalition has been an example of Italy's endemic political paralysis. Prodi has been busy trying to fend off - and recover from - a half-dozen near-crises since taking office 20 months ago, rather than focus on much-needed reforms to the pension and justice systems. Meanwhile, state air carrier Alitalia bleeds money, and its hoped-for merger with Air France...
...victory. It is a clear and decisive victory," she declared after a bitter name-calling campaign between herself and Sharif. But despite her claims, she did not have a working majority in parliament and had to wobble through her next few years in office as head of a fractious coalition, beholden to contentious blocs of power. At the same time, Pakistan owed huge amounts to the International Monetary Fund as part of servicing its enormous $28.6 billion in foreign debts. Bhutto had raised taxes, which raised the level of discontent in the country. But even so, her government...
Sunday's vote has already sparked speculation about who might be Chavez's successor in that race, as well as whether a rejuvenated but usually fractious and incompetent opposition might finally field a viable candidate. Aside from perhaps Rodriguez, pundits can think of few if any chavista potentials. Opponents, meanwhile, could include erstwhile Chávez allies like Garcia, who because they defected over the reforms may have a crossover appeal sorely lacking in Venezuelan politics right...
...free press, an effective legislature and, most importantly, an independent judiciary. By circumventing the constitution, and by twice dismissing the Supreme Court, Musharraf has inflicted long-term damage on the country. Given Pakistan's critical role in the global war on terror, his muscular methods for stabilizing a fractious nation were at first welcomed by some governments, especially Washington. Establishing a lasting, fair and resilient democracy, however, requires not expediency but hard work, compromise and consensus-building. The rule of law is critical, for if a leader puts himself above the law, then stability only lasts for as long...
Social Security has always been an issue that united the Democrats like no other. But suddenly, the most successful and popular government program in history is a subject of fractious debate in their party's presidential primary. Barack Obama suggests that Hillary Clinton is refusing to engage in "a real, honest conversation" about the challenges that lie ahead for the program. And Clinton is accusing Obama of buying into "Republican scare tactics...