31.   Since the latest standoff began in October, Arab states have increased their shipments of aid to Iraq, reflecting widespread opposition to the sanctions among their populations.

32.   Smoke was seen rising from the Irrigation Ministry compound several hours after the standoff began Friday, a U.N. official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

33.   Since the latest standoff began in October, Arab states have increased shipments of humanitarian aid to Iraq, reflecting widespread Arab opposition to the sanctions.

34.   Students and teachers were evacuated from the school after the standoff began.

35.   The government did not immediately confirm the reports, and the newspapers did not say when the standoff began.

36.   The government suspended the prison visits shortly after the hostage standoff began, citing security concerns.

37.   The newspapers did not say when the standoff began.

38.   The latest standoff began when six North Korean navy ships re-entered South Korean waters shortly after daybreak Wednesday, about six hours after withdrawing from the area.

39.   The standoff began.

40.   The standoffs began Tuesday when the inspectors were barred from two bases of the elite Republican Guards just west of Baghdad.