11.   Some officials have argued that Iraq should be dealt with sooner rather than later in part because they are inflaming the situation in the Middle East.

12.   Some said the new president would surely inflame the situation by being too confrontational.

13.   The Episcopal bishops have agreed to meet with the Jewish Community Relations Council next week, and declined media interviews Wednesday in an effort not to inflame the situation.

14.   The willingness of outside investors and large corporations to finance the tribal ventures can further inflame the situation.

15.   Aides said the president wanted to be careful not to inflame the situation further by issuing hard demands or a timetable for the release of the crew.

16.   Assistant Chief Constable Alan McQuillan rejected complaints from local residents that heavy-handed police tactics had inflamed the situation.

17.   But, challenged by opposition legislators to condemn the Spanish threats, she said it was better not to inflame the situation.

18.   Obasanjo has chosen to largely steer clear of the issue, afraid of inflaming the situation.

19.   On Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan stopped short of asking Japan to dump the plans, but urged Tokyo not to inflame the situation.

20.   Soldiers stood by and even handed over their weapons to protesters rather than risk bloodshed that could further inflame the situation.