Hijacked Domain Names?

[Adrian Cooper <apc@enterprise.net>]

Many of the most desirable TLD names such as ".usa", ".eur", ".web" etc. etc. have already been hijacked it seems by AlterNic and others ahead of the ultimate IAHC rulings. These organisations do appear to speak most emphatically about "their" domains.

Can we take it that these domains are currently deemed to be "on loan" to these unauthorised (by IANA) organisations, and that when the time comes for IANA to allocate TLD's in due process these "hilacked" domains will be available for all to apply for equally, or will it be a case of "possession is 9/10 of the law" and the "alternative" organisations fully expect to retain their pre-empted gains?

I would hope and expect for a level field when the application review procedure takes place. A precedent whereby TLD's are claimed now by all and sundry in the hope of retaining them ahead of the official outcome would be highly unfortunate in my view. 

Adrian.