21.   Tajikistan and Uzbekisan have granted permission for US forces to use bases in their countries.

22.   Tensions are on the rise, and she said trouble could mount if Uzbek leaders allowed the U.S. to use its bases.

23.   The Americans could continue using the bases but would have to share them with Pakistani aircraft, officials said.

24.   The announcement, however, was the first to articulate the terms for using the base, once a staging ground for Soviet troops occupying Afghanistan.

25.   The issue is a sensitive one because the U.S. military uses bases in Qatar, an ally in the war against Iraq and the latest conflict in Afghanistan.

26.   The Marines gave a strong indication Monday that they will use the base as a staging area from which to conduct hit-and-run attacks.

27.   The Pentagon is considering several ways to provide assistance, including dropping supplies by air and using military bases in the region as staging areas for humanitarian relief.

28.   The Pentagon has been using the bases in Pakistan for cargo planes, search and rescue aircraft and Special Operation forces aircraft moving in and out of Afghanistan.

29.   The Russians will still be allowed to use their bases in Akhalkalaki and Batumi.

30.   The Saudis also denied reports that they would not allow the United States to use its bases for bombing raids against Iraq.