One theory is that hard-liners are pushing to plug up the electronic holes that allow foreign news into the country (cadres already regulate the distribution of general news services).

CNN: INFORMATION

The measures were intended to plug the holes that had suddenly seemed to open up in America's defences.

ECONOMIST: In peril on the sea | The

However, the Kremlin has been spending heavily to prop up the rouble, bail out banks and plug holes in its budget.

ECONOMIST: The anti-West