11.   A dispute over the border region of Halaib has worsened tensions.

12.   A decision to expand Jewish settlements in the West Bank worsened the tension.

13.   A leading analyst shrugged off the apprehension that the missile test could worsen warlike tensions between India and Pakistan.

14.   A leading Indian analyst shrugged off apprehension that the missile test could worsen tensions between India and Pakistan.

15.   A Palestinian official, meanwhile, warned that new Jewish settlements would worsen political tensions amid nearly four weeks of Israeli-Palestinian violence.

16.   But political discussions will touch on more contentious fundamental issues, and lack of agreement would worsen tensions, Shi said.

17.   In recent years, the assassinations of several Shiite leaders have worsened the tensions.

18.   Japanese political leaders have not been as willing as Yumoto to show repentance, and their statements often worsen the tension between the two nations.

19.   Local officials expressed fear that the attack in the Muslim-dominated town in Sulu province would worsen tensions between Christians and Muslims.

20.   Local officials feared the attack in Jolo, a Muslim-dominated town, would worsen tensions between Christians and Muslims.