21.  But for more than a year, the two companies have been seeking an equitable end to Time Warner Entertainment, and there is no final deal in sight.

22.  But Clinton could not resist suggesting that he had already left the clear recipe for the final deal.

23.  But if he hopes to add a final Mideast peace deal to his presidential legacy, he needs to be able to rely on Netanyahu.

24.  But it appeared likely the deadline would be extended if a final deal was imminent.

25.  But in the light of day, other Republicans, including DeLay, were uncomfortable with the final deal on the workplace rules.

26.  But it seems quite unlikely that a final deal will be struck for several weeks.

27.  But Moore is not sure the battle is won, worried that Bush will move closer to the Democrats in any final deal.

28.  But in the end, no final deal was reached.

29.  But officials cautioned that they were not close to a final deal on that and other elements of a package of changes for the system.

30.  But the booming economy ought to change the dynamics of the negotiations, by making a final deal less important.