Since then, the United States has reduced the pressure on Hosni Mubarak for real democratic reforms, in part because it regards him as a reliable ally and guarantor of stability in the Middle East. (Egypt receives almost two billion dollars a year in U.S. military and development aid.) During a January, 2007, visit to Egypt, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice offered nothing but praise for Mubarak.

NEWYORKER: The Contenders

Traits on offer included some which a pilot study indicated people associate with a sense of psychological stability (such as being trustworthy or reliable), some that are associated with psychological instability (being spontaneous or adventurous, for example) and some with no real relevance to instability or stability (like being loving or funny).

ECONOMIST: Psychology: Tall, dark and stable | The

Patrick Verwer, London Midland's managing director, said the franchise extension would give the company the stability to "continue to improve our service and focus on providing the reliable, consistent service our passengers expect and deserve".

BBC: London Midland rail franchise extended