Europe would have to be the main actor in its own backyard.

BBC: Will Sarkozy get a statue in Tripoli?

Today, Thompson knows his actor identity is the main source of the name-and-face recognition that makes him viable in national politics.

NPR: Reagan Sequel? Hard Act for Thompson to Follow

As NATO's main actor, America would rather work through the alliance, or through individual countries.

ECONOMIST: Charlemagne: Europe and America | The

So did the fact that Mrs Arroyo had been trained as an economist, whereas Mr Estrada's main qualification for the presidency was his fame as a film actor.

ECONOMIST: The Philippines: The good earth | The