Yet, even when the cause looked dim, the question of American credibility always won the day.

But the potential for damage to American credibility and prestige went further.

And finally there is the challenge to American credibility.

On another level, many scientists say, the standoff is a test of American credibility in international science.

American credibility would have been fractured had Washington failed to respond positively.

American credibility is at stake, she argued, but so is her own.

"Clinton had to attack because if he didn't, American credibility would have been destroyed."

In the face of tyranny, let no one doubt American credibility and reliability.

It is a lingering outrage that has undermined American credibility around the world.

Lowering our standard of success is unlikely to increase American credibility either at home or abroad.