Commercial Secretary to the Treasury Lord Sassoon agreed that resolution of the crisis was in Britain's "vital national interest".

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For 16 years, in the interest of enhancing the country's ties with Europe, and to a lesser degree with the US, successive Israeli governments have ignored Israel's vital national interest in maintaining its control over Judea and Samaria.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: When rhetoric rules the roost

Although Mr Clarke did not refer directly to the Conservative leader's referendum pledge, he warned that it was in the UK's "vital national interest that we avoid the fatal mistake that would be a No vote if a referendum is held in the next few years".

BBC: EU exit would be 'fatal mistake' says Ken Clarke

"The fact remains, however, that Iraq is a truly vital national security interest of the United States, and of all its friends and allies, " he said.

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It is a vital national security interest of the United States to reduce these conflicts because whether we like it or not, we remain a dominant military superpower, and when conflicts break out, one way or another we get pulled into them.

WHITEHOUSE: Nuclear Security Summit: Presidential Press Conference

But don't tell me it's a vital national strategic American interest... and then not do anything.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Barreling on, regardless

The protectionist trend is defended as a legitimate means of shielding industries vital to the national interest.

ECONOMIST: Closing the borders to business | The