21.   White House tries to discredit accuser without provoking backlash.

22.   While Israel has described the moves as insufficient, a major crackdown by the Palestinians could provoke a backlash by the militants.

23.   Musharraf has run the risk of provoking a backlash from homegrown religious extremists since becoming a key partner in the US-led war against terrorism.

24.   The discharge provoked a backlash of outrage.

25.   The petitions provoked a backlash from the Chinese authorities, who pulled in scores of dissidents for questioning -- some of whom still remain in detention.