But its distinctive white shawls remain a potent symbol of the quest for justice in Latin America.

ECONOMIST: A once-revered human-rights group runs into a controversy

Aircraft carriers are the capital ships of the modern Navy, a potent symbol of American military power.

FORBES: Despite Budget Woes, The Navy Is Unlikely To Cut Carriers

If only to avoid the appearance of conflict, why not get rid of such a potent symbol?

FORBES: The Pen Is Mightier Than the Scold

Others feel that for many ordinary people, Mr Hazare remains a potent symbol of the fight against corruption.

BBC: Has Anna Hazare's campaign run its course?

The bright yellow "LIVESTRONG" wristbands distributed by his charity became a potent symbol for perseverance in the face of adversity.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

He insists his departure aims to clear the way for new talent to blossom, but our correspondent says he remains a potent symbol of South African pride.

BBC: Archbishop Desmond Tutu ends public career at 79

Once a potent symbol of American frustration with the Vietnam War, the prison is now a tourist attraction, in the shadow of an upscale high-rise building owned by a Singapore businessman.

CNN: 'Hanoi Hilton' now holds only painful memories

The surprising source of Belfast's expansion is Aer Lingus, Ireland's national airline for 70 years until it was privatised in 2006 and still, for many, a potent symbol of national identity.

ECONOMIST: A row over routes is re-stoking north-south rivalries

For he is a peculiarly potent new symbol of an ancient cultural battle.

ECONOMIST: French culture

His decision to open Los Pinos, the presidential palace, to visitors, is a small but potent symbol of the new attitude.

ECONOMIST: Mexico