21.   Well, less tennis seems to be producing better results.

22.   Reformers now run most of those countries, and black rule elsewhere seems less threatening a year after President Nelson Mandela came to power in South Africa.

23.   To many dissidents, as well, the United States seems less a source of backing than the cause of their betrayal.

24.   That seemed less certain however Wednesday as pressure mounted to get the mission on the ground quickly.