11.   And that, some say, might even strain his relations with politicians.

12.   As a result, US-Russian relations were strained.

13.   At a time when Russian-U.S. relations are strained by Chechnya and lingering disagreements over a series of other issues.

14.   At a Jewish forum on Monday, she defended her unwillingness to denounce Sharpton, who has been accused of straining relations between blacks and Jews.

15.   Besides clouding titles and stalling real estate transactions, the lawsuit strained relations with local officials.

16.   Both Britain and France have strained relations with Beijing.

17.   A conviction of CATIC could further strain relations between the countries and curb other American exports to China, officials said.

18.   A long and tense confrontation with Switzerland ensued, sharply straining relations between the United States and the small but financially influential country.

19.   After World War II, as the Cold War strained relations between Moscow and Washington, Pentagon officials grew anxious about the Arctic.

20.   But even before she left, relations were strained, in part because Ms. Fernandez did not like Castro as a father or as a political leader.