31.   Newspapers said the decision is likely by Thursday.

32.   Results were likely by early Monday.

33.   The Bush administration is still considering various options, of which a large-scale invasion of Afghanistan is considered least likely by many defense experts.

34.   The Bush administration is considering various options, of which a large-scale invasion of Afghanistan is considered least likely by many defense experts.

35.   The proposals will be considered this week, with a decision likely by the end of the week.

36.   With no solution in sight, heavier fighting is likely by summer, even if the oft-violated truce expires without either side formally pulling out.

37.   With defections likely by moderate Republicans from urban, Northeastern districts, GOP leaders are short of the votes needed to move the bill through the House.

38.   With no solution in sight, a flare-up of fighting is likely by this spring.

39.   With defections likely by moderate Republicans from urban, northeastern districts, GOP leaders so far lack the votes to move their version of the bill through the House.

40.   But Daschle said Republicans were making agreement less likely by blaming Democrats for the delay.