Mr. Grecian said he was first approached in the 1980's to gather intelligence because of his access to sensitive foreign military facilities.

The Americans were not allowed to enter or fly over some sensitive facilities in the area.

He added that examination of the pattern of its coverage showed a "correlation" with sensitive facilities.

It is against Tunisian law to photograph government offices and other sensitive facilities.

"Obviously, hazardous waste incinerators are sensitive facilities," he said.

And some American intelligence experts are concerned that a possible treaty might let the Russians into sensitive facilities.

They do not want the Russians anywhere near their sensitive facilities.

The first category comprised relatively small communities with sensitive military, industrial or scientific facilities, such as arms plants or nuclear research sites.

Last November, an explosion was heard in the city of Isfahan, close to sensitive nuclear facilities.

Ms. Duong draws with sensitive facility; less theatricality and more attention to ordinary things might be in order.