21.   Developments Thursday raised the possibility that Arafat might be released from his Ramallah compound, which is surrounded by Israeli tanks.

22.   The developments have raised hopes of crafting an enduring peace in this Indian Ocean island famous for its tea and tropical beaches.

23.   The development raised the possibility that the crisis could be within hours of ending.

24.   The developments raised fears of food shortages.

25.   The development raised U.S. hopes that the disabled aircraft will soon return home, and it seemed to signal an easing of U.S.-China tensions.

26.   Their development of nuclear weapons raised fears among the international community that another war in the region could result in the use of nuclear weapons.