The boom is also strengthening the government's hand at home.

The bad economic times had continued, and strengthened the hand of forces for free silver.

"If that's where you have to go to get the truth, that would strengthen their hand," he said.

But a better military position and popular support has helped strengthen the hand of the Taliban leadership, he said.

But since then, the political landscape has shifted, strengthening the government's hand.

He now has a chance to strengthen his hand.

They think they're working to bring down the government, but actually they are strengthening its hand.

That could strengthen the company's hand in the broad antitrust case brought by the Government and the 20 states.

A tenuous hold, perhaps, but she strengthened her hand with the blue dress.

Republicans were also able to strengthen their hand on other issues that are dear to conservatives.