He has also been talking directly to Russian officials to try to persuade them to drop their opposition.

BBC: Arab League suspends Syria mission - Nabil el-Arabi

It is unlikely, for example, that banks will try to persuade people that using them will make them more attractive to the opposite sex (perhaps they should).

ECONOMIST: Banks are trying to develop better brands. About time too

So that's why we're working with the Russians and others to try to explain to them our views on this, persuade them why allowing this to continue will have such horrific consequences.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

Instead they are using all their connections in east Africa to try to shift "perception away from cash machines" and to try to persuade the pirates to do the "humanitarian thing and let them go", said Mr Gardner.

BBC: Somalia pirates: kidnapped couple's family urge release

Now they are a reason to invest in London's transport as it provides jobs and growth across the UK. The mayor is using them to try to persuade the government not to cut TfL's budget.

BBC: The shifting arguments for London's New Bus