With many of them being start-ups or mom-and-pop operations, the prestige of winning gets them increased visibility, orders in time for the holidays and, often, funding.

WSJ: The Games Smart People Play | Mind Games | By Alexandra Peers

Mr. Karzai who was first installed by the U.S. after the Taliban was ousted in late 2001 has also wrested new concessions from the U.S., most recently winning an agreement for the withdrawal of coalition special-operations troops from Wardak province, an area west of Kabul that has been a staging ground for insurgent attacks.

WSJ: U.S. to Hand Bagram Jail to Afghans

"We're pleased to join with RadioShack to deliver high-quality, no-contract wireless services including our award-winning Muve Music service, " said Robert Young, executive vice president, field operations for Cricket.

ENGADGET: Cricket and RadioShack confirm No-Contract Wireless, ship two Huawei phones to celebrate