1.   But he does not yet have the political power to take on Suharto, a wily autocrat who has spent three decades muzzling would-be opponents.

2.   But he could not replace Suharto, a wily autocrat who has spent three decades muzzling would-be opponents.

3.   Many Tunisians and some diplomats believe the government is exaggerating the Islamic threat to justify their hold on power and muzzle legitimate opponents who charge high-level corruption.

4.   Opposition parties were banned and opponents were muzzled, accused of backing Yankee efforts to topple the government.

5.   State prosecutors are currently investigating corruption allegations against Suharto, who often imprisoned or muzzled his opponents while he was in power.

6.   However, it aroused concern among Russians who feared that Lukashenko, an authoritarian leader who has muzzled political opponents, could spread his influence to Russia itself.

7.   The union accord aroused concern among Russians who feared that Lukashenko, an authoritarian leader who has muzzled political opponents, could spread his influence to Russia.

8.   Winnie Mandela, estranged wife of South African President Nelson Mandela and a deputy minister in his government, on Monday lost a court attempt to muzzle an opponent.

9.   Russian liberals fear rapid integration with the moribund Belarussian economy and an alliance with Lukashenko, an authoritarian former collective farm boss who has muzzled political opponents.