On the minus side, those already on top of the heap have the means to shape the agenda through their control of media outlets and the backing of politicians sensitive to their needs.

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Thatcher responded with radical reforms, shaped by the ideas of free-market economists Friedrich Hayek and Milton Friedman on minimizing government control and allowing markets free rein in deciding the shape of the economy.

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The two groups still disagree on the shape of a coalition government, the election system, control of security and, above all, policy towards Israel.

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But their control over the House of Representatives will enable them to shape public perceptions of international affairs and mitigate some administration pressure on Israel by opening up new outlets for discourse and defunding administration initiatives.

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It is humbling for Americans to ponder their economic link to the rest of the world, realizing that events beyond their control sometimes shape their future.

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"This was probably his favorite area, " Stone said of the courtyard, where Hussein also smoked cigars and wrote in his journal, trying to shape his legacy even though he had lost control of the country.

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