Much of this has occurred against a backdrop of widespread graft.
The antics of the high-flying connected unfold against a backdrop of widespread AIDS, insufficient growth and persistent crime.
Against the backdrop of widespread praise, however, there is growing suspicion that soy -- despite its undisputed benefits -- may pose some health hazards.
In the state's most violent cities, like Camden, Trenton and Newark, prosecutors have struggled to close murder cases against the backdrop of widespread witness intimidation.
The parliamentary debate had taken place against a backdrop of widespread consternation over the government's decision to slap higher taxes on gambling and wine.
Sunday's vote took place amid a backdrop of widespread electoral violations that included ballot-stuffing, vote-buying, and the exclusion of opposition representatives, civil society monitors and journalists from polling stations.
Four months into Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg's historic overhaul, the New York City public school system is straining under the pressures of extraordinary change, showing sparks of improvement against a backdrop of widespread confusion.
But it prompted strong criticism from other participants at the United Nation-sponsored talks, particularly because the move occurred against a backdrop of widespread protests and transportation disruptions in Europe over spiking oil prices.
The fuss over the law comes against a backdrop of widespread public worry about an increasingly intrusive state and the growing circulation of personal details in vast databases compiled by the government and private companies.
A13 NEW YORK/REGION B1-6 City Schools Still Struggle With Overhaul's Changes Four months into Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg's historic overhaul, the New York City public school system is straining under the pressures of extraordinary change, showing sparks of improvement against a backdrop of widespread confusion.
