1.   Although ostensibly there for peace-keeping duties, the increased troop presence heightened fears among Croats of a creeping military takeover.

2.   An extended American troop presence in Panama could help U.S. anti-narcotics and humanitarian aid efforts in the region, he said.

3.   But Defense Secretary William Perry said during a visit to Japan this week that the United States cannot close a major base or reduce its troop presence.

4.   But observers in Macedonia say that so far the US-UN troops presence has been positive.

5.   But Perry also repeatedly said the United States opposed any reduction of its troop presence in Japan.

6.   Even former foes of the U.S. troop presence in Bosnia have been encouraged in recent weeks.

7.   Finally, they have the nerve to ask questions on plans for phase II of the war and the U.S. troop presence in places beyond Afghanistan.

8.   Hashimoto has endorsed the American troop presence, but not in ringing terms.

9.   He did not rule out expanding the American troop presence in Afghanistan.

10.   He recommended an end to the permanent U.S. troop presence.