1.   His release came only eight days after another American hostage, Robert Polehill was set free.

2.   News of the release came as U.S. Congressman Chris Smith met high-profile opposition figure and Muslim leader Amien Rais.

3.   News of the releases came as U.S. congressman Chris Smith arrived in Jakarta.

4.   News of the release came as U.S. congressman Chris Smith arrived in Jakarta.

5.   The release came as Muslims marked the Islamic new year.

6.   The release came two days before Powell was to arrive in Beijing on a visit aimed at repairing strained relations.

7.   The release came just hours after a British magistrate in London ruled that former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet be extradited to Spain to stand trial on charges of torture.

8.   The releases came as Liberian soldiers were battling anti-government insurgents Friday.

9.   The release came two days before Powell is to arrive in Beijing on a visit meant to repair strained relations.

10.   Their release came as more Egyptian prisoners were freed.