41.   As the United States moves to increase its influence in Africa, France has seen its own power ebb in much of the continent.

42.   Beijing is trying to increase its influence in Central Asia, which sits on oil and gas reserves that China hopes will fuel its economy.

43.   France, which is not a fully integrated member of NATO, is trying to increase the influence of Europe in the alliance.

44.   He said Arafat was complaining about Israeli efforts to increase Jewish influence in the city.

45.   Howard will also seek to deepen the political relationship as Japan exerts increasing influence on Asia-Pacific and global strategic issues.

46.   In addition, the Swedish military hopes a bigger presence could increase its influence in NATO, the leading Swedish daily Dagens Nyheter reported Wednesday.

47.   It has angered Russia, which fears the deal will increase Western influence in an area Russia has dominated for decades.

48.   Iranian Vice-President Hassan Habibi was accompanied by diplomats and businessmen on a mission Iran hopes will increase its influence in the volatile Balkans.

49.   Libya, flush with substantial oil revenues, has often funded movements abroad as a way to increase its influence.

50.   Moscow also wants to counter what it sees as U.S. diplomatic domination, and wants to increase its influence in the Middle East.