But it is not clear how long the tough stance will last.

But I do think the union's going to take a tough stance.

The city's tough new stance comes with strong public backing.

He has also taken a tough stance on corruption and human rights.

The British side did not face a similar situation and could take a tougher stance.

Despite the tough stance, American officials said they were growing optimistic that a deal was in the making.

His words were the toughest public stance to date by a Bush administration official.

Is it about a tougher stance on immigration and crime?

The tough stance adopted in 1994 has achieved its purpose, other officials say.

But California, which has the country's largest inmate population, is taking a much tougher stance.