What the region is looking for - and needs - is a power that guarantees stability through predictable behavior.

very concerned about his [Lee's] mental stability and his violent behavior.

Financial consultants like stability. Merrill needs to make sure its brokers are convinced that management's interests are aligned with theirs.

It is shaping up to be something more serious.

Because of the reduced U.N. presence on the border, any incident could be interpreted as a provocation.

If they try to dominate, then we're probably going to see little brushfire rebellions breaking out in parts of Ethiopia, not at a national level, but as a voice of protest at the continuing hold on power of the EPRDF.