Last week, Zimbabwe's rival political leaders reached a deal over a new constitution, removing a key obstacle to holding elections.

BBC: South Africa court 'halts Zimbabwe helicopter donation'

The announcement was criticized by the Palestinians, with the settlement issue a key obstacle to any hopes of reviving the peace process.

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The issue of settlements and their continued growth is a key obstacle in the path of reviving the moribund peace process between Israelis and Palestinians.

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One key obstacle is the acute shortage of healthcare workers in many poor countries, who are crucial to ensure treatments reach those who need them.

BBC: Plan to cut burden of tropical disease

One key obstacle that prevents countries from making more rapid progress in ECCE is their difficulty in understanding the status of young children in a holistic manner.

UNESCO: EDUCATION

Tips: As with Obstacle 1 above, flexibility in choosing a plan will be key.

FORBES: Health Insurance Challenges Of The Self-Employed

If the constitutional issue is pushed into 2005, it might then face the obstacle of a British general election in which it would surely emerge as a key issue.

ECONOMIST: A constitution in tatters