31.   Fetisov was traded Monday by the New Jersey Devils to Detroit for a third-round draft pick as the Red Wings bolstered their defense for the playoffs.

32.   In turn, France called them hypocrites for criticizing efforts to improve weapons that bolster the defense of Europe.

33.   Pentagon looking to bolster defenses in Gulf.

34.   Reinforcements were being sent to Kabul from elsewhere in Afghanistan to bolster Taliban defenses, said a Taliban spokesman in the Pakistan city of Peshawar.

35.   That warning came a day after Russian and Central Asian leaders met to discuss bolstering their defenses following the Taliban takeover of Kabul.

36.   The Atlanta Braves, bolstering their defense for another run at the playoffs, acquired shortstop Rey Sanchez from the Kansas City Royals for a pair of minor leaguers.

37.   The Dallas Burn will get Argentine midfielder Daniel Peinado to bolster a defense weakened by the transfer of Leonel Alvarez, U.S. Major League Soccer announced Wednesday.

38.   The decision by Islamic nations to supply arms to Bosnia is to help it bolster its defense against Serbian aggression, an official said Thursday.

39.   The island has been bolstering its defenses against China with new tanks, warships and advanced jet fighters bought from France and the United States.

40.   The Ottawa Senators, looking to bolster their defense, acquired defenseman Craig Millar from the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday for forward John Emmons.