Now, the reason why I raise this, even though Mr. Jordan will be confirmed, is that it is so indicative of a breakdown in the system when a nominee as highly qualified as he is, with bipartisan support as he has, who's reported out of committee unanimously, still faces filibusters.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

The Clinton administration wants desperately to believe that President Yeltsin does not know anything about this activity -- that it is the product of "rogue elements" and bureaucratic inertia, not a breakdown of civilian control or, worse yet, a sign of a dangerous new direction in Russian foreign policy.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: A Noxious Arms Control Treaty

There is a good reason why a lot of people have been mentioning the breakdown area and how important it is, because this is where games can be won and lost.

BBC: Jeremy Guscott column