But rather than celebrating Nigeria's status as not only host nation but also defending champion of this event, local organizers and FIFA officials alike will instead be holding their collective breath, hoping that the country pulls through the three-week long tournament without any major problems.

VOA: standard.2009.10.22

But,in his words, "A smart entrepreneur should spend his time developing the business rather than the business plan."

VOA: special.2009.06.26

He also said: "We do not need presidents who are bigger than the country, but rather ones who speak for it and support it."

VOA: special.2009.08.30

But one of them would make war rather than let the nation live.

VOA: special.2009.12.10

But the matter is far from settled. President Sarkozy wants parliament to pass a nonbinding resolution, rather than a law.

VOA: standard.2010.01.30

Pinheiro says it is almost certain the court will find Aung San Suu Kyi guilty, but would likely put her back under house arrest rather than prison.

VOA: standard.2009.06.19

But,she adds, hurling insults at London rather than at Washington is less risky for Tehran, especially if Iran harbors any notions of a rapprochement with the United States.

VOA: standard.2009.07.02

But the Uruguayan leader, a doctor by training,lamented that Latin American governments are devoting growing resources to armaments rather than dealing with pressing social needs including health and education.

VOA: standard.2009.09.15

Despite a lack of experience, she tried selling the batik herself rather than going through a supplier, but sales were poor and she feared the market for batik was disappearing.

VOA: standard.2010.04.14

"But I hope people will equally understand that it will be better to get the decision right rather than rushing into something that will not stand the test of time."

VOA: standard.2010.05.10