South Korea, a pillar of strength in East Asia, is also experiencing difficulties.

FORBES: East Asian Economies Slump

Fears about rising oil prices have taken a leg out from under the energy sector, once a pillar of strength in the markets.

FORBES: Weak Energy Sector Powers Stocks Lower

During the last few turbulent years in the financial markets, it has been a pillar of relative stock-market strength, a kind of haven for equity investors.

FORBES: The Ominous Market Signs Coming From Germany

He described the armed forces as "a pillar of the nation's resilience and strength".

BBC: Pakistan PM Gilani seeks to calm military tensions