41.   Attacks on Baghdad could disrupt important economic ties between northern Iraq and southeastern Turkey, where the economy is already fragile.

42.   Because of this heavy concentration, many Okinawans protest that they bear a disproportionate share of the burden of the security ties between the United States and Japan.

43.   Belarus has freed a reporter for a Russian television network in a case that has gravely strained the Slavic ties between the two states.

44.   Berezovsky alleges corrupt ties between Swiss officials and his political enemies in Moscow.

45.   Because of the close historical ties between Canada and Britain, the decision could have a much more serious effect on Canadian blood supplies.

46.   Because of the extraordinarily close ties between the countries, American officials tend to avoid threats of sanctions even during the testiest of disputes.

47.   Besides the marriage tax bill, the House approved legislation to strengthen ties between the U.S. military and Taiwan.

48.   Beyond ideological ties, there are also strong financial ties between Republicans and Amway.

49.   Boeing Co. said worsening ties between China and the U.S. will likely delay its plane sales.

50.   Both he and Mrs. Holston said they did not think that the rules would discourage financial ties between doctors and industry.