1.   And such a meeting could defuse the tension.

2.   Shortly afterward, representatives of the multiagency task force investigating the serial crimes held a meeting to defuse the animosity and prevent future breakdowns in communication.

3.   A weeklong meeting ending Friday defused several potential clashes, including a U.S.-Iranian dispute over nuclear technology sales, diplomats said.

4.   Such a meeting might defuse Palestinian dissatisfaction at the current level of contacts with the new Israeli government.