The fact that the Shiite minority is concentrated right above the country's richest oil fields inspired a particularly harsh crackdown.

In the past, displays of unrest have been met with harsh military crackdowns.

The harsh postwar crackdown on remnants of capitalism in the South led to the collapse of the economy during the 1980s.

But many here say a harsh crackdown on protests might discourage investors interested in Shanghai.

His harsh crackdown created confusion and discord, hurting his cause more than helping it.

A harsh crackdown would also risk provoking an unpredictable backlash.

And with the increase in labor agitation have come harsher crackdowns by the Government.

There are many possible outcomes: a successful revolution, a harsh crackdown, a military government, a long stalemate or simply national chaos and confusion.

And in Syria, promises for reforms have been followed by a harsh crackdown on the opposition.

And, to make sure the world takes the image change seriously, it has begun one of the harshest crackdowns on money laundering in the hemisphere.