1.   The standoff in Kunduz raised the prospect of a street battle that could result in the kind of atrocities already reported in other parts of Afghanistan.

2.   The latest standoff raised concern for security in prisons and renewed calls for prisoners to be confined to individual cells.

3.   The rebel raid and hostage standoff have raised concern in the international community that Fiji has descended into racism and intolerance.

4.   The standoff has raised fears of a military strike by the United States and Britain.

5.   The standoff has raised fears in the region of a war.

6.   The standoff has again raised the possibility of U.S. military action against Iraq.

7.   The standoff has raised concern abroad that Fiji has descended into racism and intolerance.