But despite that assurance, officials admit India will have to race against time to successfully host the Games, because much of the work is behind schedule.

VOA: standard.2009.09.14

That said,we're still not going anywhere fast." Despite an $8,000 tax incentive for first time home buyers, sales of existing homes have declined two months in a row.

VOA: standard.2010.03.02

New Delhi views its growing ties with the United States as a counterweight to China a one-time rival of which it continues to be wary, despite steadily improving ties.

VOA: standard.2009.10.26

The father of captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit is not optimistic about his son's release, despite a videotape published on Friday showing for the first time that he is alive and well.

VOA: standard.2009.10.03