The former European Union commissioner had been widely expected to ally with the Democratic Party after the elections a scenario that many analysts said would have provided a guarantee that Italy's new government would forge ahead with economic reforms.

WSJ: Italy Vote Brings Political Gridlock

Although the country's government claims to be fully funded until the middle of next year, it has provided a blanket guarantee to the Irish banks, some of whom are now finding it impossible to borrow money in the markets.

BBC: Republic of Ireland confirms EU financial rescue deal

And finally, government has also provided a social safety net to guarantee a basic level of security for all our citizens.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Addresses Business Roundtable

Caribbean banks, not least in energy-rich Trinidad, are awash with cash and have been eager to lend provided there's a government guarantee.

ECONOMIST: Debt in the Caribbean

The DOE Loan Guarantee Program Office has provided a draft term sheet for the California Valley Solar Ranch project, which is a significant milestone in the process leading to a conditional loan guarantee commitment.

ENGADGET: NRG and SunPower partner on 250-megawatt solar plant, plan to power 100,000 California homes

The railroads were interested and would guarantee delivery in five days, provided a couple of things: That the train ran at least once a week, so the railroads could be sure that the cars and locomotives it dedicated to the service would be used regularly, and that Pollak deal with loading and unloading the delicate goods.

FORBES: Join The Cold Train

Blair's supporters in his North-East of England constituency, battling crippling levels of unemployment in a former mining area, needed the guarantee of a decent home for their families at a reasonable rent that council housing provided.

BBC: What future for social housing?

However, a state medical license is no guarantee of proficiency and hospitals and 3rd party payers often require added qualifications provided by a private entity before employing a physician or reimbursing care at the full rates.

FORBES: Sometimes The Best Medical Care Is Provided By Those Who Aren't M.D.s