51.   But why on earth would Israel want to hijack airliners flying the skies of its close ally, destroy the World Trade Center, and smash the Pentagon?

52.   But while the Americans worried and advised, they could not really interfere with the democratic workings of so close an ally.

53.   By contrast, Bush and Hull have been close political allies.

54.   China has been a traditionally close ally of Pakistan but faces its own problem with Muslim extremists.

55.   Chubais retaliated this month by persuading Yeltsin to dismiss Boris Berezovsky, a tycoon and close ally of Gusinsky, from the national security council.

56.   Clinton and Blair struck up a fine friendship, and their nations have been close allies in the Persian Gulf and in the Balkans.

57.   Close allies in Japan, Canada, and the EU will stress the need to conclude a deal.

58.   Councilwoman Ruth Galanter, who is not a close ally of Riordan, also questioned whether too much authority would be given to an outside agency under the proposal.

59.   Dang is a close ally of reformist Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet.

60.   Crowley is a close ally of Manton.