The 18-month period means the opposition will be largely excluded from policy-making until the middle of 2012, just months before Venezuela's next presidential election.

BBC: Venezuela parliament gives Hugo Chavez more powers

It has already resolved, in effect, to abdicate its role as opposition during the three-month implementation period of the redeployment agreement, and will supply Mr Netanyahu with the necessary votes in the Knesset to make up for any defections from his ranks.

ECONOMIST: Israeli twists and turns

The LDP lost power for an 11-month period in 1993-94 to a jumble of opposition groups, but they were so ineffectual that the LDP was easily able to step in again.

ECONOMIST: Japan's beleaguered prime minister calls an election

There will be a period of public consultation first and there is bound to be intense opposition, with opponents claiming already that shopping centres and small businesses will be subjected to extra costs at the very moment when they can least afford it.

BBC: Obama diary: Days 81-90

In the same period in July 2007, British troops in Garmser, albeit facing stiffer opposition, called in air strikes that dropped 12, 000-pounds of bombs on the district.

ECONOMIST: Afghanistan

As vice-president, Mr Dembo automatically takes over the movement's leadership for an interim period, but analysts have warned that he is likely to face stiff opposition to be leader.

BBC: Angola rebels demand death probe

He moved to the U.S. from Caracas, Venezuela, during a turbulent period in 2002 and said the prospects of an election were dizzying for opposition forces long unable to defeat the seemingly larger-than-life Chavez.

NPR: Chavez Death: Venezuelans In US Hopeful Of Change

Though the period of goodwill that followed the Socialists' return to government after a decade in opposition is over, Mr Guterres has a fair bit to boast about.

ECONOMIST: Portugal