Ending Egypt's blockade of its border with Gaza (the little-known and sporadically effective counterpart to Israel's blockade) would allow free transit between Gaza and Egypt, thereby facilitating the transfer of operatives, weapons and finance from Hamas's major backer: Iran.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: How to make Egypt safe for democracy

But the new regime has survived more than a year of sanctions and, as the blockade grows less effective, so does the influence of the neighbours imposing it.

ECONOMIST: Burundi

Though it has cushioned the effects of Serbia's blockade, this aid has not so far been effective enough to convince a clear majority of Montenegrins that their interests are served by pro-western policies.

ECONOMIST: Matching Milosevic