1.   The attack came as the authorities were seeking to improve security at token booths during shift changes, a time when robberies often occur.

2.   The attack came as hawkish Israeli Prime Minister-elect Ariel Sharon tries to form a coalition government and take office.

3.   The attacks came as the Bosnian government forces pressed an offensive on the outskirts of Sarajevo to open routes into the city.

4.   The attack came as a senior commander predicted that the city would fall within a few days.

5.   The attack came as Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak sought to answer domestic pressure for tougher responses to the ongoing Palestinian Intifada.

6.   News of the attack came as President Andres Pastrana was visiting Washington to seek wider military aid to his beleaguered South American nation.

7.   The attack came a day before a nationwide cease-fire was to go into effect.

8.   The attack came as Israel launched a diplomatic campaign to win international backing for security arrangements with Lebanon in return for a withdrawal of Israeli troops from the south.

9.   The attack came as Israel was braced against warnings that Palestinian militants opposed to the autonomy accord could attempt further attacks.

10.   The attack came as the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines are holding sporadic peace talks in the Netherlands, where rebel leaders live.