They asked the Americans for help, and U.S. officers, sensing a chance to turn the tide against Al Qaeda, seized the opportunity.

NEWYORKER: General Principles

If the surge in troops is to work, if the government writ is to run across the country, if Nato is to ever have a chance of leaving Afghanistan with dignity, then the troops out on the ground must turn the tide against the insurgency in Helmand.

BBC: 'High-stakes battle' for Helmand

Participants also pointed out that we must address more upstream issues, including increasing education and economic opportunity for all Americans, to turn the tide permanently against HIV.

WHITEHOUSE: Addressing HIV in the Black Community

Scotland will become the first place in the UK to introduce minimum drink pricing and the coalition government has proposed a minimum price of 40p per unit of alcohol in England and Wales in an effort to "turn the tide" against binge drinking.

BBC: Minimum alcohol price 'would save 11,500 pensioners'

But if the military tide were to turn against the SPLA-N there would be fierce popular pressure on the southern government to help it wholeheartedly.

ECONOMIST: A Sudanese accord

Still, the tide could turn against him.

ECONOMIST: Germany

But if the tide continues to turn against Mr Kuchma there are others who may speak out.

BBC: Analysis: From West's favourite to pariah

Is the tide in the European Union starting to turn against the controversial Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement?

FORBES: Bulgaria Withdraws From ACTA