Armenians in the contested territory have long chafed under Azerbaijani rule, complaining that their language, culture and religion were stifled.

The burst of political action has come naturally to a people that have long chafed under Soviet control and waited impatiently for any sign of change in Moscow.

That could raise hackles in Germany, which has long chafed at France's covetous attitude toward Airbus.

Some said they strongly supported Mr. Pataki's plan because it would free them of regulations that they have long chafed under.

Mississippi has long chafed at those perceptions, which in some cases spring more from stereotype than from statistic.

But the zone is also home to a sizable ethnic Albanian population that has long chafed under Belgrade's rule.

The Armenian population has long chafed under Azerbaijani rule, complaining that their language and culture are neglected.

One result of this debate is that France, which has long chafed against Americanization, now sees as its enemy not Coca-Cola but multiculturalism.

Uighurs, who mostly live in Xinjiang Province in western China, have long chafed under heavy-handed rule from Beijing and have pressed for more autonomy.

Mr. Shamir has long chafed over the fact that Mr. Mubarak has refused to meet with him.