21.   But India should recognize that a stepped-up nuclear arms race cannot be won and can only damage its security interests.

22.   But it is virtually unimaginable that France would ever take a position that threatened fundamental U.S. national security interests.

23.   But rarely have things been this complicated, when U.S. security interests and U.S. economic interests have pulled in different directions.

24.   But reducing nonproliferation programs as a reaction to objectionable Russian behavior in other areas makes no sense and is contrary to American security interests.

25.   But no compelling American security interests could have justified sending U.S. ground troops or overriding the preference of the European Union not to resist the Serbian advance.

26.   But President Bush should make clear to them that he considers cooperation with the Hague tribunal an important national security interest.

27.   But when our national security interests are threatened, we will use diplomacy when possible and force when necessary.

28.   But they must do so quietly, not allowing these acts, or often even security interests, to damage the new overriding value of the democratic leaders.

29.   But, truth be told, there is no significant American security interest at stake in the settlement of this conflict.

30.   But US officials said Wednesday that they did not want to risk the lives of troops in an area of the world where America has few national security interests.