Those whose apologies are well chosen, swift and apparently sincere may convince.
Mr. Mubarak's government came under pressure from another front as well: the swift deterioration of the economy.
In Haiti, where cholera continues to spread, there is an ongoing need for vaccines, as well as swift diagnosis, treatment, and reporting of disease.
He said: The remarks immediately provoked international controversy as well as swift condemnation from government officials in Israel, Europe, and the United States.
No, that wasn't terrorism, per se, but it was still a disaster that needed -- but did not get -- government foresight and planning wisdom from seasoned, credible public service professionals as well as swift and effective response.
Dedicated donor support and strong partnerships with the private sector have enabled the previous campaign in Yemen as well as swift development of the mOPV1 vaccine.
In addition to urging tougher laws protecting women and children from abuse, the Verma Report recommended stiffer penalties for sex-related crimes as well as swifter justice for the perpetrators.
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, Democrat of New York, recently met with the chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and called for a "comprehensive plan" to deal with the leak, as well as swifter notification of local officials whenever there are problems at the plant.
In anticipation of the wet El Niño conditions expected this winter, the team will also prepare for washed-out trails and mudslides as well as swift-water rescues.
And for those who put together a winning proposal, success may well be a swift path to re-election.
