The government accused Microsoft of using access to its Windows technology as another tool to reward allies and punish rivals.

He also continued hiring to fill vacancies, in several cases rewarding campaign workers or political allies.

In the wars that lasted beyond 800, he rewarded allies with war booty and command over parcels of land.

Intended for disadvantaged students, these tuition waivers are often used to reward cronies, contributors and political allies.

"If every man inherits from his father," Calad said, "how do you propose to reward our clansmen and allies?"

The Pentagon also uses the program to reward government friends and allies across the globe with equipment the Pentagon says it no longer needs.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, the Bush administration has used arms sales as a way to reward allies and cement international relationships.

Through the decades, leaders have used the occasions to reward prominent allies and to nurture diplomatic relationships with more or less regularity, depending on the president.

As many politicians do on both the state and national level, Mr. Clinton has often used the courts to reward his friends and political allies.

Moreover, bilateral and regional agreements are often used to reward allies or deflect attention from challenges in the domestic sphere.