11.   With Middle East peacemaking stalled, the Bush administration is trying to look beyond the violence gripping the region to a renewed effort.

12.   A severe drought gripping the region for several months ensured the fire spread fast, the daily said.

13.   Asian governments are stepping up the fight against money-laundering as the danger of having criminal funds in legitimate financial systems grips the region, officials said Tuesday.

14.   Millions of people died in Asia as Japanese expansionism gripped the region.

15.   Sizzling high temperatures gripping the region have hampered firefighting efforts.