Its vast acres of sloping greenery, its glades and its trees present a striking backcloth.

ECONOMIST: Henry Moore's outdoor sculptures

This would be an unpropitious backcloth to a decision to join the euro.

ECONOMIST: House prices

Even avowed republicans were taking part, perhaps seeing the Union flag trimmings as simply the backcloth to a party, like fairy lights at Christmas.

BBC: Diary of a street party, part 3

In June 2003, against a backcloth of pro-reform demonstrations in Tehran, Mr Aghajari was reported to be among 250 intellectuals who issued a strongly-worded declaration accusing the ruling clerics of setting themselves in the place of God.

BBC: Profile: Hashem Aghajari