91.   Akayev has increasingly cracked down on dissent in recent years, but is also viewed as a key ally in the U.S.-led war on terrorism.

92.   Although rivals, India and Pakistan are regarded as key allies of the United States.

93.   An Iranian court charged a key ally of reformist President Mohammad Khatami with slander and incitement to riot Sunday for his alleged role in unrest last summer.

94.   An Islamic militant leader from Uzbekistan who was a key ally of Osama bin Laden dies in northern Afghanistan, an anti-Taliban general said.

95.   An Islamic militant leader from Uzbekistan who was a key ally of Osama bin Laden was killed in northern Afghanistan, an anti-Taliban general said Sunday.

96.   Asfour is a key ally of Mohammed Dahlan, the head of Palestinian security in the Gaza Strip who is tipped as a possible successor to Arafat.

97.   At a news conference Friday, Powell said Nepal was a key ally, worthy of support.

98.   Australia has been a key ally in the push for free trade in the region.

99.   Benjamin Netanyahu hopes to form a government next week despite the mounting legal problems of key allies and wrangling between coalition partners, a top aide said Thursday.

100.   Berlusconi, abandoned by a key ally and facing possible indictment by anti-graft prosecutors, was up against three no-confidence motions.