1.   Again, Jordan has asserted his influence.

2.   Chirac has been the leading spirit in the move to assert more influence in the Middle East.

3.   Given those factors, it was inevitable for politicians in Washington to assert their influence now, some experts say.

4.   Here, the United Nations is a key player, with Egypt, Jordan and the European Union also asserting influence.

5.   In the past, it has asserted its influence over its neighbor.

6.   The United States, as a world leader, can best assert its influence through diplomatic channels.

7.   The incident had raised fears that China might be asserting its influence in the South China Sea.