11.   And he is among a growing number of young Cubans who are turning to religion in times of dire economic conditions and political confusion.

12.   Despite his dire conditions, he says he can only wait and hope for political change in Kosovo.

13.   Dire economic conditions, coupled with the blackouts, have sent people into the streets of several cities.

14.   For those still stuck inside Afghanistan, the already dire conditions are worsening as winter approaches, aid workers said, citing accounts by Afghan relief workers.

15.   He added that Iraq, which blames U.N. sanctions for malnutrition and dire conditions in hospitals, has the right and the money to buy food and medicines.

16.   In Liberia, renewed fighting in recent weeks has caused thousands to flee, and to live in fear and dire conditions.

17.   In Liberia, renewed fighting in recent weeks has caused thousands to flee, and live in fear and dire conditions.

18.   Meanwhile, the economy spins towards stagflation, a dire condition of simultaneous inflation and economic contraction.

19.   Some Russians, who are struggling under present dire economic conditions, believe a return to communist rule would restore stability and reduce market prices.

20.   These banks may fail under the current dire economic conditions in which they are facing bigger risks related to credit, interest rates, exchange rates and market competition.