11.   The financial crisis that swept the region since August is finally fraying the nerves of many ordinary people here -- among the biggest investors in small-capitalization stocks.

12.   The swiftness with which devaluations have swept the region suggested that there were underlying problems that had been ignored in the frantic charge of economic growth.

13.   This was the one echo Laos has seen of the pro-democracy movements that have swept the region.

14.   Other U.S. firms hope to profit from a wave of mergers and acquisitions sweeping the region.

15.   Philippine shares plunged on fears of a possible economic recession sweeping the region.

16.   A cold wave sweeping the region is hampering rescue work during the night, the reporters said.

17.   An anti-Rwandan sentiment has swept the region in recent weeks since an attempt to bomb a plane carrying the Zairean army chief of staff.

18.   As part of free-market reforms sweeping the region, governments are now trying to modernize the companies by converting them to private ownership.

19.   Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said Saturday he was optimistic that the basic strength of Southeast Asian economies would allow them to weather the currency crisis sweeping the region.

20.   But now that democracy has swept the region, the press is freer to root out illegal practices and voters are holding officials more accountable.