But the celebration of American supremacy sometimes obscures the far more complex risks of managing world affairs amid global economic and political fragility.

But sanctions against all of them were waived in the American national interest, largely because of their political and economic fragility in moving toward democratic rule.

But underscoring Venezuela's political fragility, officials today raised to 230 the death toll from three days of violence surrounding the coup.

But for all their new assertiveness, many Asian leaders here understand full well the political fragility underpinning their economic boom, and how easily booms go bust.

Mr. Hata openly admitted today that the country's political fragility "is not normal" and was already talking about holding a new election.

Naipaul's sympathy for the political and emotional fragility of his characters did not extend, alas, to his wife.

Mr President, the political fragility of the Indonesian confederation is evident.

This is a genuine risk given Macedonia's domestic political fragility and its imminent elections.

For now, basic economic reforms are hostage to the Iraq's political fragility and its mass unemployment.

Analysts said the dollar strengthened in particular against the German mark in response to new signs of political fragility in the Soviet Union.