11.   But just as the March bombings produced renewed solidarity among Israelis, the invasion has stiffened Palestinian resolve, they say.

12.   But those who participated in the meetings insisted that new legislation is still needed to stiffen the resolve of state regulators.

13.   Castro needs his enemies in Miami to stiffen the resolve of his people.

14.   Clinton administration trade officials said Wednesday the April deficit stiffened their resolve to impose sanctions next week if no deal is reached before then.

15.   Even though only a few thousand American soldiers are now in Kuwait, their presence has stiffened the resolve of the Kuwaitis.

16.   Five years ago, a family tragedy stiffened that resolve.

17.   He writes about his woes with the young Celtics, and admits to a smidgen of self-doubt, but only as they helped stiffen his resolve.

18.   His televised threat to drag Mrs. Jones through the mud seemed to stiffen her resolve.

19.   If he recognizes that the budget deal is at best of marginal value, he might stiffen his resolve to beat back the worst excesses of the Republican plans.

20.   If anything, the timing of that foray into Iraq has stiffened the resolve of House Republicans to deal with Clinton.