Nor would it penalize candidates who first agree and later decide to pull out of the debates, leaving its proposals largely toothless.

But the Pentagon's "zero tolerance" policy for violators proved largely toothless.

"My guess is that it will be a largely toothless body which will make non-binding recommendations to the Cabinet," a Persian Gulf diplomat said.

Kazakhstan voted for a largely toothless Parliament on Sunday in an election marred by low turnout, widespread irregularities and a climate of intimidation.

Ironically, it was the American position, read by some as a lack of "engagement," that emboldened the authority's Legislative Council, until now largely toothless, to push reform.

The party's victory is assured; Singapore's opposition parties are largely toothless and won only one of the 81 seats in Parliament in the last election.

Most surprising is Japan's decision to consider providing its largely toothless air force with airborne-refueling and attack equipment that would enable its F-15's to retaliate against North Korea.

Legco, the largely toothless legislature, has vowed not to authorise spending for new camps.

Although there is an official political opposition here, it is largely toothless.

An anti-convulsive medication has left Justin largely toothless, and he is constantly moving his tongue in and out.