And in the charged atmosphere after this bail-out meddling politicians, as part-owners, would have a tempting lever over the banks.

ECONOMIST: America's bail-out plan

In the search for a lever over the Sri Lankan government's policy, many eyes have lighted on an unlikely instrument: Sri Lanka's clothing exports.

ECONOMIST: Sri Lanka's triumphant government

Any Cherokee chief has a powerful lever over tribal members who live in Oklahoma, since many of them receive salaries from either the tribal government or Cherokee-owned businesses.

ECONOMIST: The Cherokee nation

Core countries such as Germany fret they will lose a lever of influence over government policies in peripheral countries by handing over equity.

ECONOMIST: Preventing a big European bank run

Chancellor Merkel sees this as an important lever of control over the zone's banks, and she will argue that gives her room to manoeuvre.

BBC: Euro: Merkel gives concessions to Italy and Spain

Mr Kuchma does not have control over the Supreme Court either, though he does have the power to sack and appoint members of the Central Electoral Commission - which could be a useful lever of influence as the dispute over the falsified election develops.

BBC: NEWS | Europe | Kuchma scrambles to secure future