But they could re-establish a grip on large parts of the south and east of the country, give succour to al-Qaeda, and sow the seeds for a new civil war.None of those outcomes is remotely in the West's interests.
On the other hand, he established a firm grip over the policies of the republic, notably by establishing a close alliance with France aimed at the joint conquest of the Spanish Netherlands.
When Cecil Rhodes, the swashbuckling British-born businessman, founded De Beers in the 19th century, the company established a tight grip on the diamond market and kept the price of diamonds on a steady upward arc by buying excess supply.
Not content with trafficking methamphetamines, the latest mafia to lord it over the Tierra Caliente, the whimsically named "Knights Templar", established a tight grip over its invertebrate society, co-opting local authorities, extorting protection money and raping women.That proved too much for the Tierra Caliente's ranchers and lime-growers.
Now that he has secured an international research reputation and established a firm grip on the rungs of the academic career ladder, Crowdy encourages young mathematicians to take off the blinders, put on their metaphorical backpacks and hiking books, and seek career opportunities far and wide instead of just sticking close to some comfortable disciplinary home.
"But it's harder for them to break through the noise now, because the industry has established a firmer grip on distribution and promotion than they had between 2005 and 2010".
If the Houthis continue to establish a tighter grip on power, the Arab countries currently backing President Hadi will face a tough decision.
Troops loyal to Chad's president, Idriss Déby Itno, have re-established a precarious grip on N'Djamena after four days of intermittent, intense fighting in the Chadian capital.
Chelsea will watch with interest, the manager Carlo Ancelotti no doubt hoping for a draw, which would offer his own side the chance to establish a strong grip on a championship race.
Curtis told this story: On the days he doesn't pitch, Hernandez will flip a ball to someone on the bench and tell that person to establish a strong grip.
