He could provoke reprisals.

Most of the Mets who have raised the scenario are adamant about not speaking publicly, wary of generating hard feelings and perhaps provoking reprisals.

In the past, such attacks have provoked violent reprisals against leftist groups and the arrest of their organizers.

Many of those released withheld details of their experience for fear of provoking reprisals against other foreign captives.

May-August Anti-government demonstrations by Buddhist monks provoke violent reprisals.

Soviet partisans often robbed wealthier peasants and provoked German reprisals.

These crimes traumatize entire communities and can provoke reprisals - leading to a never-ending cycle of violence.

Officials in Washington and Iraq said he had been briefed in advance on missions that carry a high risk of civilian casualties or of provoking reprisals.

Meantime, many Democrats are apprehensive about the trade policy debate, fearing that it will lead to protectionist legislation that could provoke reprisals against American producers.

There was also a desire not to provoke reprisals by loyalists against the Catholic/nationalist population there.