1.   Besides straining the passenger capacity at rival airlines, a prolonged strike would probably lead to higher fares along routes dominated by American, travel agents say.

2.   A prolonged strike, Olson said, might only speed the process.

3.   A prolonged strike could also trip and already stumbling economy into recession.

4.   A prolonged strike could cut tax revenue just as the government is striving to keep its deficit down to make the grade for European monetary union.

5.   A prolonged strike could wipe out the playoffs and World Series.

6.   But the studios and networks belong to global conglomerates, which are diversified enough to better withstand a prolonged strike.

7.   Doug Cody, a vice president of Carlson Wagonlit Travel, also said a prolonged strike could eventually raise ticket prices.

8.   Indeed, even as the president spoke, U.S. aircraft and forces were headed to the Persian Gulf region in preparation for possible prolonged strikes likely aimed at Afghanistan.

9.   Kevin Hause, analyst with International Data Corp., said distributors, who ship software and hardware to resellers, could be hit hard by a prolonged strike.

10.   Moreover, the chains said it would not be improved in the event of a prolonged strike.