On Wednesday Bush explained that the relative level of violence is not a determinate of victory or defeat because the enemy can use cease-fires to rearm.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Postcards from Saigon

This gives the media and the voters a new way of judging the government's actions—not whether a policy is good or bad for Britain, but whether it represents a victory or defeat for this or that ministerial faction.

ECONOMIST: The chancellor

So, if Mr Thaksin wins the election, will it be a victory or a defeat for democracy and reform?

ECONOMIST: Thailand

While it will be tempting to pass judgment and declare victory--or deny defeat--in the early weeks, NBC entertainment chief Angela Bromstad spent time earlier Wednesday pledging the network's commitment to the venture, saying NBC will judge the series over its cumulative 52-week run rather than on its week one performance.

FORBES: Entertainment

But, if such ratings persist, would he take the risk—not utterly trivial, for all his grip on the machinery of the state—of undeniable defeat or, at best, a victory that would certainly be disputed?

ECONOMIST: Peru

When the Saudi view is contrasted with the consistent Iranian and Syrian goal of dominating Lebanon through Hizbullah, it is clear that the political victory of the anti-Syrian and Iranian forces in 2005 was insufficient to defeat Hizbullah or free Lebanon from the influence of Syria and Iran.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: How not to help "moderates"