1.   SOLDIERS gave a devastating display of military muscle when they were called in to recover a truck dumped in a river.

2.   But as the only group with the military muscle to withstand the Mongol invasions, they became overlords of Egypt and Syria and a number of smaller sultanates.

3.   But Beijing hopes its military muscle can frighten Taiwan into choosing someone more malleable.

4.   But it is not Japan that has been flexing its military muscle.

5.   By confronting the rebels with military muscle, the French may be hoping to bring them to the negotiating table.

6.   But while U.S. military muscle may be sufficient to guarantee democracy in the short-term, some observers question whether democracy will persevere after the soldiers are gone.

7.   He warned against adding more military muscle to the beleaguered UN mission.

8.   In an awkward twist, even many peace-loving Catholics still feel safer knowing the IRA has military muscle in reserve.

9.   In recent weeks, Chinese and Western officials have reported that Beijing is gearing up for a more powerful display of military muscle before Taiwan holds elections in March.

10.   It is also holding large amphibious exercises with Croatia to show the military muscle behind the money it has given to the Serbian opposition.