51.   Race relations were strained.

52.   Relations have been strained somewhat by Thai perceptions that Washington was slow to respond to its economic crisis.

53.   Relations were already strained after three top Taliban commanders were killed while in alliance custody when a helicopter transporting them crashed into a hillside two weeks ago.

54.   Privately, some acknowledge that the close space and loss of privacy and other resources during the temporary exile has strained office relations at times.

55.   Proceeding with the program, though, would create a whole new set of problems, particularly by further straining relations with Russia.

56.   Relations are badly strained with the White House.

57.   Reno belatedly complained about the disdainful treatment, saying the incident somewhat strained relations with the White House.

58.   Sino-U.S. relations are currently strained by trade and foreign policy issues, the most worrisome of which are U.S. allegations that China sold Pakistan nuclear materials.

59.   That could severely strain relations between the United States and the U.A.E., which Washington views as a vital counterweight against Iran for influence in the region.

60.   That same month Peruvian jets shot at an unarmed U.S. military transport plane on an anti-drug mission, killing one airman and further straining relations with Washington.