Some officials question whether a more drastic American stance might have had the desired effect.

The new American stance could also have a major impact on the nuclear politics of Taiwan and Japan.

China has periodically responded that the American stance was part of an effort to contain Beijing's growing economic power.

One problem with the American stance is that an important piece of it strikes even sympathizers as chauvinist.

But more European countries are adopting the American stance of abstinence.

Dole's ability to be on all sides of the class war may seem like a contradiction, but it's a classic American stance.

Most said they support the American stance in the Persian Gulf.

The current American stance on trade, if that was what it seemed to be, was like being slapped by one's own child.

Suddenly, the American stance, that without patent protection there would be no drugs, seemed hollow.