21.   And last month the Justice Department, concerned that the alliance might be harmful to competition, decided to investigate the agreement.

22.   And then Secretary of State Christopher, at a NATO meeting in Brussels, proclaimed that the alliance was in wonderful shape.

23.   And while the alliances have been quick to sign up partners in North America and Europe, Asia remains their weak spot, he said.

24.   As the United Nations moves into its next half-century, old alliances are in flux and new ones are forming within the organization.

25.   As such, the Muslim-Croat alliance is key to the success of peace.

26.   At the time, the U.N.-led alliance was a unique experiment in the delivery of food and other humanitarian aid.

27.   Barak and Sharon, the latter looking for a chance at power, both said they still believe an alliance would be in the best interests of Israel.

28.   Bertelsmann denied a split in its Canal Plus alliance is imminent.

29.   A black-Latino alliance is a potent dream, especially after eight years of Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, who has been accused of ignoring both groups.

30.   A. The blue-green alliance is still very strong in the Northwest, in parts of California and some parts of the Midwest.