Mr. Tinoco said progress would be difficult because of what he described as behind-the-scenes manipulation of the contras by the Reagan Administration.

In reality he was a victim of behind-the-scenes manipulations against him by other jealous actors.

It ignores what the shrewdest satirists are beginning to realize, sometimes to their commercial peril: the behind-the-scenes manipulation is often the show itself.

By contrast, Canio is unaware of the behind-the-scenes manipulations and surrenders control of his perception of the difference between life and art as the opera proceeds.

The scandal centers on allegations that the short-lived appointment of Mr. Bar-On was a result of behind-the-scenes manipulations by the leader of Shas, Aryeh Deri.

What is needed instead, he said, is more disclosure of industry lobbyists' behind-the-scenes manipulations of the rule-writing process.

He said that unlike his predecessors, he did not automatically agree with the recommendations of his committee, just as he did not use the committee as a shield for behind-the-scenes political manipulation.

The club, if not a contender, is competitive - Steinbrenner's behind-the-scenes manipulation notwithstanding - and they are, once again, fun to watch.

The intensification of fighting in Mexico offered only more options for renewed behind-the-scenes European and U.S. manipulations.

But the army's low profile may only be testament to behind-the-scenes manipulation.