In both cases Mr Blair has given himself room for manoeuvre by promising referendums when the time is ripe.
Tough choices for an autocrat, but by opting for the latter, Kim Jong Il has probably given himself at least a fighting chance for survival.
The MP said he was delighted to see Mr Mandelson back in the cabinet as Northern Ireland secretary, but did not believe a return to government was "on the cards for himself" given the present situation.
Abe has not even given the Yamaguchi himself a minister portfolio for the 50 seats he brings to the government.
He was too modest, and too wise, to allow himself to be given the laurel for a discovery for which many claimed credit.
He was given 15 life sentences for murder in 1999 but hanged himself in prison in 2004.
The next question he will ask himself is what sport is he best suited for given his skills and athletics.
Rooney made a goal for Joe Cole and scored himself late on after Jermain Defoe had given Fabio Capello's side an early lead against the local side.
The 1992 unrest ceased only when King Adulyadej Bhumibol intervened to pave the way for Suchinda's resignation - but not before the general had given amnesty to himself and his cohorts.
Tales of headless horsemen stalking ancient burial sites, gruesome hairy hands forcing vehicles off the road and a visit from the devil himself have given Dartmoor a doomladen reputation, making it a favourite setting for writers such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie.
Given Benitez's notoriously testy relationship with United manager Alex Ferguson, he could be forgiven for giving himself a quiet pat on the back for sending the FA Cup competition's most successful side packing from Stamford Bridge.
The Dons boss believes clear-the-air talks between himself and the board will have a positive impact, while revealing he was not given sole blame for the club's recent problems.
Not only must this victory taste sweet given the controversial decisions that have plagued this rivalry, but he will now stand a better chance for a gigantic payday himself against Floyd Mayweather at some point during 2013.
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