11.   But the campaign only strained diplomatic relations between Tbilisi and Washington, and hardened positions.

12.   But the verbal crossfire outside the talks suggested that both sides had hardened their positions.

13.   But they admitted that the suspicions and ill-will caused by the presidential standoff could harden positions and hinder efforts to reach across party lines.

14.   But there has been no indication that Russia is prepared to harden its position.

15.   Crude oil gained as Iraq appeared to harden its position in talks with the United Nations over a limited oil sale.

16.   He acknowledged that the warring parties had hardened their positions in the days leading up to the talks, a predictable but not positive development.

17.   If the past is any guide, the official said, the candidates would simply harden their positions on Cuba instead of debating an overhaul in policy.

18.   Indeed, militant Hutu and Tutsi leaders seem to have hardened their positions in the approach to talks next month in Tanzania.

19.   Last month, this seemed acceptable to the Bosnian government, which now appears to have hardened its position.

20.   Like Bush, he has hardened his position on abortion to please the religious conservatives.