1.  Despite posturing by American and Haitian leaders, no one, not even the defiant and irritating Raoul Cedras, wanted a military showdown in Haiti.

2.  In looking to avert a military showdown over Yugoslavia, Russia is also seen as trying to reassert itself as an indispensable and independent player on the international scene.

3.  Kissinger also discussed challenges surrounding Iraq but would not speculate about a military showdown with Saddam Hussein.

4.  President Clinton was cautiously optimistic that Iraq was pulling back from the brink of a military showdown.

5.  President Clinton was cautiously optimistic that Iraq was pulling back from a military showdown.

6.  Visitors to the Capitol also appeared to be impressed by the role of the former Democratic president in averting a military showdown with Haiti.

7.  A last-minute deal between the two main Shiite factions eased tensions which had threatened to escalate into an inter-Shiite military showdown in the volatile region.

8.  A last-minute deal between the two main Shiite factions eased tension which had threatened to escalate into an inter-Shiite military showdown in the volatile region.

9.  A spokesman for the Kosovo monitors expressed cautious optimism the mediation would succeed in heading off a military showdown.

10.  As time runs out for a peaceful outcome to this crisis, the realities of the military showdown become ominous and ever-present.