51.   But American officials described him as a representative of the Iranian missile program in Tehran.

52.   But even some government officials described the decision as absurd.

53.   But in an interview, Bremmer outlined a program that went beyond the one INS officials describe as their current practice.

54.   But Israeli and American officials have described Marzook as a prominent Hamas figure involved in terrorist activities.

55.   But senior NATO officials described the Americans as being angry about the shipment, and said that other shipments have managed to elude NATO monitors and have been delivered.

56.   But since the active stage of the war ended, Rove has been described by officials as playing a greater advisory role.

57.   But some U.S. officials described that step as an attempt to guard against instability by diluting the potential for a leftist outcry against perceived fraud.

58.   But the actions fell short of stricter penalties that could have been imposed, which Bank of New York officials described as a relief.

59.   But other officials described how they were trying to bolster a southern resistance.

60.   But the official described a scene of hurry and some tension as the Americans and others made ready to leave Thursday.