Mr. Obama's comments had yet to reach many of the Israel's staunch defenders in the U.S. on Thursday.

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The Socialists, on the other hand, have posed as the system's staunch defenders.

ECONOMIST: Chirac shuffles the pack | The

Staunch defenders maintain it is a crucial tool for those feeling suicidal.

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Even staunch defenders of international criminal justice, such as Professor Philippe Sands QC, of University College London, say this is a legitimate concern.

BBC: Ten years, $900m, one verdict: Does the ICC cost too much?

But the little penny has some staunch defenders.

BBC: The US penny: Should it be scrapped?

And then look at the staunch defenders of Hagel's nomination: Republican Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Republican Secretary of State Colin Powell, Reagan's respected Secretary of Defense Frank Carlucci and the first President Bush's national security adviser Brent Scowcroft.

CNN: A reality check for Chuck Hagel bashers