11.   Once the characters have changed partners, the screenplay falls apart and the movie remains mired in indecision and tediously repetitive talk.

12.   Sometimes described as a mountain of gold floating on a sea of oil, this richly endowed South Pacific nation remains mired in poverty.

13.   The government bureaucracy remains mired in Ottoman lethargy.

14.   While slow inflation has been a star performer the past year, and wages growth is contained, employment remains mired in the doldrums.

15.   Adding to pessimistic news, the government said in a closely watched monthly report Tuesday that despite mild improvements, the economy remains mired in a prolonged slump.

16.   But despite its natural wealth, the delta remains mired in poverty, a marshy warren of huts and unemployment.

17.   Crippled by years of rampant corruption and widespread mismanagement, Nigeria remains mired in poverty despite earning billions of dollars a year from oil revenue.

18.   Despite the end of fighting, Chechnya remains mired in turmoil, plagued by kidnappings and other crimes.

19.   Despite the optimistic signs, the economy remains mired in its worst recession since World War II.

20.   Despite the recent stock market gains, Venezuela remains mired in some of its worst economic troubles in years.