The Troika -- and their counterparts elsewhere in the West -- should be under no illusions, however: Shevardnadze's reintroduction to the center hierarchy will not measurably slow, let alone reverse, the Kremlin's waning fortunes.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy

Considering the hierarchy was always in their hands under Hussein, this belief has been bolstered and reinforced for decades.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: The Myth of the Sunni Diehard

And Whirlpool's washing-machine factory now makes appliances under contract for Kelon, which sells them under its own brand, a reversal of the usual hierarchy between western and Chinese firms.

ECONOMIST: Infatuation��s end

He is now a member of Accion Democratica, indeed would like to be its candidate, but could be tempted to run under Mr Perez's flag, especially if the Accion Democratica hierarchy who already suspect him of being too close to the former president turn him down.

ECONOMIST: Venezuela