1.   And he wants the Arab world to soften its opposition to Palestinian concessions on the question of East Jerusalem.

2.   Asked later whether the encounter had softened his opposition, Gramm was resolute.

3.   At the time, the congressman was under heavy pressure from the White House and Dingell to soften his opposition to employer mandates.

4.   But few predict it will soften their opposition to gun control.

5.   But Gov. Christie Whitman, who recently had softened her opposition to the increased speed limit, is expected to veto the legislation.

6.   But he did not soften his opposition to U.S. plans for a national missile defense.

7.   Clinton briefly stirred hope among amendment supporters when he appeared to soften his opposition shortly after the election.

8.   Clinton clearly is hoping that leading the effort to eliminate forced child labor will persuade Sweeney and other labor leaders to soften their opposition to free trade pacts.

9.   Democrats who are monitoring the nomination also feel that Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright, who has built strong personal ties to Helms, can soften his opposition.

10.   He could soften his opposition to the minimum wage because more women receive it than men.