1.   But Israeli and Palestinian officials hardened their rhetoric Thursday as the fighting escalated.

2.   As America hardened its rhetoric toward Iraq, speculation has increased that the Arab country may become a target in the U.S.-led war on terror.

3.   But the FARC has since hardened its rhetoric and refused to meet directly with government negotiators.

4.   He has hardened his rhetoric on Palestinian issues since then in an effort to prevent votes from hemorrhaging to the right.

5.   The raids came as Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon hardened his rhetoric against Yasser Arafat.

6.   The United States tried to defuse tensions between Israel and the Palestinians Thursday over activities at the PLO headquarters in Jerusalem, as both sides hardened their rhetoric.

7.   The violence came as Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon hardened his rhetoric against Yasser Arafat.