Let us ensure at the forthcoming conference in Berlin that we commit the help necessary for that country, for so long in the grip of terror, to continue its progress and reach the goal the vast majority of Afghans want.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Politics | Blair's speech in Lisbon

Farming has long had a peculiar grip on the French imagination, blending nostalgia with genuine traditions.

ECONOMIST: Reality television

More generally, Anglo American, which still maintains about 40% of its assets in its private grip, has a long way to go on transparency.

ECONOMIST: The inside outsider | The

In the Croat areas of the country the results suggest that the nationalist HDZ, which has long held power in a firm grip, could also be losing ground.

BBC: NEWS | Europe | Serbs block road to Bosnian unity

Even so, his iron grip on Peru is long gone.

ECONOMIST: Peru

Such a switch remains difficult so long as utilities retain an iron grip on the transmission lines in their geographic areas, and the utilities are wary of starting price wars with each other.

WSJ: Business Asia: Singing the Abe Electric

These seven stories grip partly because they are long enough to immerse the reader totally.

ECONOMIST: An impressive Canadian debut

The only question: How long can Qualcomm continue to keep a grip on those standards?

FORBES: Everyone Wants What Qualcomm's Got

Greece is in the grip of a years-long recession, and many people are struggling to make ends meet.

CNN: Thousands protest austerity measures in Greece

Ollie Cahill went close for Shels with a long-range effort in the 58th minute as the Dublin outfit took a grip on the contest.

BBC: Greg O'Halloran tries to turn Derry's Killian Brennan

On the other hand, Kenya's government is in the grip of a corrupt elite that seems content to allow the economy to run into the ground so long as it can grab a share.

ECONOMIST: Britain and East Africa