1.   Eventually Dukakis, in his last year in office, softened the policy to allow DSS to use homosexuals as foster parents.

2.   Lafontaine tried to browbeat the European Central Bank into softening monetary policy, and he infuriated industry by pushing for steep business tax increases.

3.   On Wednesday night, the administration heatedly denied that any such pressure had been exerted and repeated a denial earlier this month that it had softened its policy.

4.   The United States has softened its policies toward an outlaw nation and let down a leader who deserves its full support.

5.   There is some hope the U.S. will alter or soften its policy against Iran.

6.   U.N. agencies are pressing the Taliban clerics to soften their policies.

7.   Privately, Ulster Unionists said they wanted to avoid a scenario where they were seen meeting Blair behind closed doors, then softening their policy.

8.   But the leaders of Egypt, Jordan and the Palestinians have said Netanyahu may soften his policy once he takes office.

9.   But the Arab leaders who met in Jordan Wednesday said that Netanyahu may soften his policies once he takes office.

10.   But the leaders of Egypt, Jordan and the Palestinians said after their meeting in Jordan Wednesday that Netanyahu may soften his policy once he takes office.