Jumbo 1295

[stevenj]

I have really struggled with this one and two clues defeat me! (And a couple of others, if I have time, I'd welcome explanations.)
The ones I cannot solve are: " variable support for petition in strategic area abroad" I have s?E?
The other is: " unlikely it hurts, though it's often wicked" I have t?l?o?
As ever, please can someone help me?
Steven

[fiction-factory]

tallow

[ubasses]

2. tall ow

[Captain2]

petition = SUE + Z = 'variable' in maths

[Neveracrossword]

Unlikely... Tallow. Tall = Unlikely and Ow = it hurts. Wicked is in the sense of having a wick, ie a candle, tallow, taper.

[fiction-factory]

wicked as in having a wick

[Flonska]

1. Suez

[Flonska]

2. Tallow

[Captain2]

You're probably much too young to remember Suez being a very strategic place in world politics, Steven. ;0))

[stevenj]

Thank you so much all of you, I understand now that you have explained. And, no, Suez is not something I'd have worked out. Captain2 is very understanding. Thanks. I really liked the " wick-ed" explanation!
As I have a few moments left may I ask for another explanation please? " resort us teens perhaps would need months in" . With letters I have the answer seems to be Plymouth. I get the youth and m parts but what about the first letters ( and is it a resort?
steven

[Mamyalynne]

Weymouth

We Youth round M (Months)

[Neveracrossword]

Weymouth, resort. WE+Youth+M, months.

[Captain2]

Weymouth, I think Steven 'us' = We......

which is a nicer resort than Plymouth. ;))

[Flonska]

Try . . . Weymouth . . .instead

[stevenj]

Thank you so much. I have discovered a mistake I made ( and it was to have been the other request for an explanation , now not necessary!) . So a double benefit. And, yes, Weymouth makes much more sense than Plymouth. The correction, btw, is I had " passport " instead of " password". You are all so generous in your help. Thank you
steven