1.   The blockade has caused food shortages, compromised medical care and made unemployment soar.

2.   The blockades caused disruptions at some airports and on high-speed trains.

3.   The blockade is causing serious food shortages for the people of Bamyan, most of whom are minority Shiite Muslims.

4.   The blockade caused major traffic disruption on the bridge that links France to Germany.

5.   They said the blockades could cause shortages of food and other supplies.

6.   The Palestinians say the blockade is causing widespread economic hardship and is costing them six million dollars a day.

7.   Palestinian officials said the blockade had notably caused a shortage of flour and fish, staples for poorer Gazans.

8.   The blockade is causing shortages in sectors of the Portuguese economy.

9.   The blockade is causing serious supply and distribution problems between the two cities.