When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Cuba's economic lifeline was suddenly cut with dramatic consequences: there were blackouts, food shortages, no fuel.

BBC: Cubans mourn 'comrade Chavez' as one of their own

It may have to be pumped into Europe through Turkey, providing Cyprus with an economic lifeline and a chance for reconciliation, our correspondent says.

BBC: Cyprus election: Anastasiades and Malas go to run-off

That is, they were planning strategic strikes against Egypt's economic lifeline.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Iran's Western enablers

The village's economic lifeline, tourism, dies in the winter months.

ECONOMIST: Indian tribes

The results at Maytag--300 layoffs in the past 18 months and warnings last month that the flagship laundry machine factory is in deep trouble--have sent town leaders on a desperate scramble to secure a new economic lifeline.

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UN's oil-for-food programme has stopped, along with the customs revenues that have been the two governments' lifeline, an economic crisis looms.

ECONOMIST: Iraq's post-war disorder