1.   Arafat has been politically weakened by the collapse of the peace talks with Israel, increasing economic hardship in Palestinian areas and charges of widespread corruption in his government.

2.   Because of increasing economic hardship in communist North Korea, the number of defectors to rival South Korea has increased significantly in recent years.

3.   By contrast, a majority of Croats face increased economic hardships and are increasingly dissatisfied with his rule.

4.   Newspaper sales have rapidly decreased in recent years as Croats face increased economic hardships and many cannot afford to buy newspapers.

5.   The financial crisis is increasing hardship and resulting in adverse social repercussions throughout the community and at all levels of society.

6.   The prices of food and fuel had doubled under the measures, increasing the hardship of poor Ecuadoreans, many of whom supported the striking drivers.

7.   A public transport strike paralysed Pakistan for a second day Wednesday, increasing hardship for commuters and disrupting supplies into major cities across the country.