Across the region, even in countries without any regime change, more subtle contests are playing out that may bring about deeper transformations in Arab societies.It is often noted, for instance, that Arab monarchies have proved more resistant to revolution than republics.
In this subtlest of contests, where intrigue comes in a variety of guises, and fortunes of teams and players can turn on a dime, viewers don't need contrived drama; they need articulate insight.
Her style is rich, ironic and pugnacious; she jousts willingly with him and the reader becomes a spectator of this subtle and fascinating contest.
In Mr. Barker's supple, subtle hands, the contest provides a means of exploring the tension within Islam between the kind of fundamentalism typified by rote, literalist instruction and the modernity outside the madrasa's door.
I have a small theory about disconnectedness on that high a level: The rise in private jets, for CEO travel, and the subtle and vulgar contest they all have with one another to be the highest paid, the endless ease of access and egress, causes them to lose a sense of place.
There are countless factors that affect every political election and, given the extreme level of noise and static in this year's campaign, we are experiencing more than our fair share; but there is one more factor that is a subtle constant in any contest for leadership: empathy.
The theme has essentially become Mr. Romney's final argument to voters before the nominating contests, marking a subtle but significant shift from the far more ideological frame that has often times been at the forefront of the campaign.
Instead, go for something more subtle- Perhaps a pie-eating contest gone wrong, or a nonsensical battle over a television set...It is all up to your imagination!
2012's singing contest-slash-evening of subtle geopolitical manoeuvring played out through tactical voting and sequins is safely over.
But it is also being watched because it is a contest where race provides a subtle but profound undercurrent, even though both major contenders are black.
