Many commentators seem to believe that Israel's military campaign against Hamas has greatly strengthened the popularity of the group; however, the Palestinian negotiator Diana Buttu, quoted in a recent Guardian report, offers a more nuanced view: "People in Gaza are under assault right now so they're going to support Hamas.
Whatever the outcome, however, this Vuelta has helped strengthen the popularity in this sports-mad country of a cycling champion who never really fell from his pedestal, despite his recent doping ban.
But Mr. Ibrahim and other analysts also believe it could also strengthen their popularity, especially if Mr. Anwar is perceived by the public as a victim of a government smear campaign and a kangaroo court.
Yes, this is about Russia's international standing, but more importantly it is also a long-term play for higher oil prices and, ultimately, a flow of oil dollars into Russia to strengthen his popularity at home.
If anything, such mass arrests only strengthen the popularity of a movement like Hamas, not weaken it.
The new wave of bands and artists enjoyed enormous popularity, strengthened by new national commercial radio stations and music magazines.
The opposition has coalesced slowly, partly because of the mayor's tight grip on the city's political sphere, which is strengthened by his popularity and his vast financial resources.
As Stratus spent more time in the ring, her perceived wrestling skills strengthened and her popularity increased.
The outcome strengthened Mr. Kilicdaroglu's popularity in the eyes of many Turks, who are often wary of corruption in politics.
Over the years, she said, the city's popularity "gets strengthened in these periods where the republic is seen as persecuting the church".
