From this arc of influence, it created a bulwark against threats from the outside, and a self-sustaining society built on oil revenues, taxes and loot seized from vanquished Iraqi and Syrian forces.
Such trust in the delicious joy-bringing potential of art and intellect was protected by strong bulwarks built from the knowledge and experience that he had gained at first hand and at great cost.
Long ago it wasn't just a road, following the high ground, away from the woods and swamps lower down, but a defensive barrier, a bulwark against marauders from the north, whomever they may have been.
Novak convincingly portrays this much-reviled institution as an unparalleled creator of wealth, mobilizing people and capital to perform innovative, complex tasks, its very independence from government making it a vital bulwark for democracy and liberty.
Interestingly, many moderate Muslim leaders have backed it as a bulwark against pressures from radical Salafism.
He said these were "designed as a proactive bulwark against approaches from a still very active international market" in highly paid rail staff.
Situated on the landmass linking Europe and Asia, it has military experience as the bulwark against threats from the East, diplomatic experience as the bridge between East and West, and religious and ethnic ties to Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia.
