Western governments say many elements of the agreement have not been complied with.

VOA: standard.2009.09.15

It does not mean we should not make them, it does not mean that there are not younger and more reformist elements or pragmatic elements in most of these regimes that we can engage."

VOA: standard.2010.05.19

But the political leadership does not want that. "So a part of the strategy is building up those elements in Pakistan that understand that having a stable and peaceful relationship with Afghanistan is actually in Pakistan's national security interest,"

VOA: standard.2009.12.06

Stratfor was one of several organizations earlier this year warning that Mexico could become a failed state if it does not win the war against the criminal elements that hold sway over some areas of the country.

VOA: standard.2009.12.18

They are not under any pressure," Veteran diplomat Francesc Vendrell believes before negotiating with Taliban elements, the West should first try to deal with the root causes of disillusionment in Afghanistan - poor government,corruption, and lack of economic opportunity.

VOA: standard.2009.03.11