Otherwise hard-line elements in the Government party may try to hold onto their power by military force.

"It is almost certain to mark a confrontation between each leader and the hard-line elements in his camp."

The reasoning is that hard-line elements in the military and the national police might use their departure to justify greater control.

These actions have drawn a reaction from Chinese officials, who warn that they would only strengthen the hand of hard-line elements.

Almost anything seems possible, including some kind of a power play or revolt within the leadership that would bring less hard-line elements to the fore.

Without being specific, he warned that hard-line elements in the region were intent on disrupting the talks.

But that possibility apparently was short-lived, mainly because of the triumph of hard-line elements within the leadership.

But after much hesitation and internal dissension about how to respond, the hard-line elements of the Government won control and sent in army troops.

American officials have said they are hoping that the moderates within the Islamic administration will prevail over hard-line, war-mongering elements.

Mr. Vajpayee's biggest test will be to tame the hard-line elements of his own party.