The Palestine Chronology

Israeli PM Barak meets with Arafat at Erez crossing to discuss Wye implementation, allay Palestinian fears that Israel will prioritize talks with Syria over negotiations with the PA. Barak asks Arafat to delay implementation of Wye FRDs until a final status agmt. is close to completion, but says he would implement Wye as signed if the PA objects. Arafat says he prefers Wye to be implemented in full as soon as possible, but agrees to Barak's request to have a PA-Israeli comm. examine ideas for a delay over the next 2 wks. before giving a final answer. (MM 7/27; MA, QA 7/27 in WNC 7/28; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 7/28; MENA 7/27, MENA, RMC, SA 7/28 in WNC 7/29; al-Quds, QA 7/29 in WNC 7/30; CSM 7/29; AYM 7/29 in WNC 8/2; MEI 7/30; JP, MM 8/6; MEI 8/20)

Israel, the PA agree to begin work on a joint industrial park, modelled on Gaza's Qarni industrial zone, to be located along the Israel-West Bank border in Jinin. (WT 7/28)

Georgia, Israel sign a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation. (Radio Tbilisi 7/27 in WNC 7/28)

Israel, Uganda sign an agmt. to expand economic relations. (Radio Uganda 7/27 in WNC 7/29)

Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America, awards Hillary Clinton, who is considering a run for New York's Senate seat, its highest honor for humanitarian service. Some Hadassah mbrs. protest the decision to honor Clinton, given her statements in 5/98 in favor of a Palestinian state. (WP, WT 7/27; WT 7/28; WJW 7/29; see also WJW 7/15; WJW 8/5)

After 2 days of talks in Damascus, the PFLP Central Comm. recommends accepting Fatah's invitation to engage in national unity talks. (al-Dustur 7/27 in WNC 7/28) (see 7/24)

Hamas says it is not opposed to taking part in national unity talks with the PA, but says it will not take part in final status talks, since doing so would imply Hamas accepts the Oslo process. (al-Dustur 7/27 in WNC 7/28)

PM-elect Barak reiterates his pledge to withdraw fr. Lebanon, seek peace with Syria within a yr.; says he will try to negotiate a s. Lebanon pullout with Syria, rather than withdraw unilaterally. (WP, WT 5/27; MM 5/28)

At a Likud Central Comm. mtg., PM Netanyahu resigns his Knesset seat, formally announces his resignation fr. politics. The comm. picks FM Ariel Sharon as interim head of the party. (WP, WT 5/27; MM, WJW 6/3; JP 6/25; MM 6/28)

In Damascus, Jordan's Chief of the Royal Court `Abd al-Karim Kabariti briefs Syrian pres. Hafiz al-Asad on King Abdallah's recent international tour; discusses possible 5-way summit to coordinate on the peace process; relays request fr. Arafat to visit Damascus, which Syria turns down. (SANA 5/27 in WNC 5/28; MM 5/28; al-Dustur 5/28 in WNC 6/1; MM 6/3)

In Jerusalem, Israeli police clash with Palestinians, Israeli Peace Now activists demonstrating against Ras al-Amud settlement construction. (LAW 5/27; MM 5/28; MEI 6/4) (see 5/18)

In s. Lebanon, 1 Lebanese civilian is wounded by IDF shelling. (RL 5/27 in WNC 5/28)

Syria's official radio station calls on Israeli PM-elect Barak to resume peace talks with Syria, Lebanon simultaneously. (WP 5/22; WJW 5/27)

UN Security Council extends Oil-for-Food program for Iraq for another 6 mos., keeps sanctions in place. New proposals for easing/lifting sanctions are not debated. (NYT, WP, WT 5/22; WP 5/23; CSM 5/25; MEI 6/4)

Jordan, Syria sign cooperation agmts. on oil, linking electrical grids. (al-Dustur 5/21 in WNC 5/28; Petra-JNA 5/22 in WNC 5/25; al-Dustur 5/29 in WNC 6/1)

In `Ayn al-Hilwa, in Lebanon, a booby-trapped car explodes, seriously injuring Jamal Dayikh, aide to Fatah official Kayid, who was assassinated 5/19. There are still no leads on who is behind the 2 incidents. (RL, VOL 5/21, al-Ra'i 5/23 in WNC 5/25; MEI 6/4; SA 6/9 in WNC 6/10)

U.S. emb. in Israel confirms that Amb. Walker has set up an apartment in Jerusalem in an effort to stave off congressional pressure to move the entire emb. fr. Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. State Dept. denies that the apartment serves as the amb.'s "secondary residence." (WP, WT 5/15) (see 5/12)

In Damascus, Syrian pres. Asad, Iranian pres. Khatami hold 2d round of talks. Khatami also meets with Damascus-based Palestinian opposition leaders, a Hamas delegation fr. Jordan. (MM 5/14; IRIB Television, RMC 5/14, Tehran Times 5/15 in WNC 5/17; NYT, WP 5/15)

King Abdallah arrives in Washington on his 1st trip to the U.S. as head of state. (State Dept. press briefing 5/14)

Syria begins pumping water to Jordan to help ease drought. (al-Dustur 5/14 in WNC 5/17; NYT 5/15; JT 5/15 in WNC 5/17; JT 5/17 in WNC 5/18; MEI 5/21) (see 5/2)

As a follow-up to Arafat's international consultations on declaration of a Palestinian state, the PA says that it is encouraging a number of EU and other states to show their support by upgrading the Palestinian representation in their countries to embassy level, increasing their donor pledges to help PA institution, infrastructure building. (al-Hayat al-Jadida 5/2 in WNC 5/6)

Netanyahu aide David Bar-Ilan admits that at Wye, PM Netanyahu promised Pres. Clinton that he would halt settlement expansion "except for a few exceptions . . . where there is a danger that the land allotted to the settlements would be taken over by illegal building by Palestinians." (WP 5/2) (see 4/28)

Jordan, Turkey begin 1 mo. of joint military exercises. (SA 5/2 in WNC 5/3; al-Dustur 5/5 in WNC 5/6) (see 3/2)

Jordan ends 3 wks. of joint military maneuvers with Pakistan. (The News [Islamabad] 5/2 in WNC 5/3)

In Hebron, an IDF soldier fires rubber bullets at 2 Palestinian children (aged 15 and 6) who refuse his orders to come to him, severely injuring both. (LAW 5/1) (see 4/29)

PCC resumes debate on declaration of state issue. (MM 4/28; MBC 4/28 in WNC 4/29; al-Quds 4/29 in WNC 5/3)

After being briefed by the State Dept. on the U.S.'s 4/26 letter to the PA, Israel accepts in principle Pres. Clinton's call for an extension of the interim period. (Prime Minister's Report 4/30)

U.S. State Dept. spokesman Rubin says that the U.S. is "deeply concerned" that Israel has repeatedly broken promises not expand settlements onto land not immediately adjacent to existing settlements. (MM 4/29)

Jordanian-Syrian border crossing comm. opens 3 days of talks in Damascus. Jordan proposes adopting identity cards, rather than passports, for travel btwn. the 2 countries. (JT 5/1 in WNC 5/3) (see 4/26)

Under pressure fr. farmers' groups, large corporations, the U.S. eases sanctions to allow sale of food, medical supplies to Iran, Libya, Sudan, other nations accused of supporting "terrorism"; adopts a general exemption for food, medicine whenever the U.S. imposes trade sanctions. (NYT, WP, WT 4/29; MM 4/30; MEI 5/7)

PA police confront an IDF patrol that accidentally strayed into Silleh village in West Bank area A, nr. Jinin. When the patrol refuses to halt, police open fire, wounding an IDF soldier. IDF declares the area around Jinin a closed military zone. (NYT, WP 4/29; NYT 5/1; JP 5/7)

To improve their chances in the upcoming 7/99 municipal elections, 13 Jordanian opposition parties agree to form a unified list, but decide to exclude the Islamist opposition party, the IAF. (al-Dustur 4/30 in WNC 5/3; SA 5/2 in WNC 5/5)

In Damascus, U.S. Asst. Secy. of State Martin Indyk meets with Syrian pres. Asad to discuss resuming talks with Israel after 5/17 elections. (SATN 3/14 in WNC 3/17; WT 3/15; al-Bayan 3/22 in WNC 3/24; al-Watan al-Arabi 3/26 in WNC 4/5)

Israel tells Jordan that this yr., it will be unable to provide the quantity of water promised under the 1994 peace agmt. due to an unusually dry winter, proposes a 60% cutback. Jordan says Israel must provide full allotment. (NYT, WP, WT 3/15; JT, JTV 3/15, AFP, al-Dustur, JT 3/16 in WNC 3/17; MM, WP 3/16; MM, WT 3/17; MM 3/19; al-Quds 3/20 in WNC 3/22; WJW 3/25; MEI 3/26)

King Abdallah of Jordan replaces PM Tarawnah with fmr. dep. PM `Abd al-Rauf al-Rawabda, Chief of the Royal Court Jawad Anani with fmr. PM `Abd al-Karim Kabariti. Rawabda, who is strongly disliked by the opposition and Jordanian Palestinians, immediately announces new 25 mbr. cabinet, which retains all but 7 mbrs. of the outgoing cabinet. Abdallah urges new cabinet to consolidate ties with Israel, work for more open government, freer press. Analysts interpret changes as marking further side-lining of Prince Hassan, increased focus on internal affairs. (AFP, MENA, RJ 3/4 in WNC 3/5; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/5; JT 3/7 in WNC 3/8; al-Dustur 3/7, al-Bayan 3/8 in WNC 3/9; MM 3/9, 3/10; al-Bilad 3/10 in WNC 3/11; JP, MEI 3/12; al-Watan al-Arabi 3/12 in WNC 3/22; JTV 4/3 in WNC 4/5)

Lebanon's fmr. Energy M Shahih Barsoumian is arrested on suspicion of corruption involving hundreds of millions of dollars in fuel imports, the 1st major public figure to fall in the government's continuing antigraft crackdown. (NYT 3/5, 3/6) (see 1/7)

At the UAE's request, the Gulf Cooperation Council holds an emergency mtg. to discuss Iranian military maneuvers nr. 3 disputed islands (see 2/27); issues statement denounces Iran's actions, urging mediation to resolve dispute. (MM 3/5)

After lull in attacks following disruption of oil exports 2/28, British jets strike surface-to-air missile sites in s. Iraq. (NYT 3/5, 3/7)

U.S. admits it worked for mos. to help Turkey arrest Ocalan, whom the U.S. considers a terrorist; say U.S. used diplomatic pressure, intelligence gathering to force nations to refuse him sanctuary, tracked him in Nairobi but did not have "direct involvement" in his capture. Turkish PM Bulent Ecevit says Turkey received the final tip from another country that he would not identify. Israel's Mossad issues public letter denying involvement. Kurdish protests continue in Europe, Canada, the Middle East. (MM 2/19; AFP, RL 2/19, al-Dustur 2/20, IRNA 2/21 in WNC 2/22; MIL 2/19 in WNC 2/24; NYT, WP, WT 2/20; NYT, WP 2/21; MM 2/22; MED TV 2/25 in WNC 2/26; PR 2/26)

With a private audience with Pope John Paul II on sidelines of UN conference in Rome (see 2/18), PA head Yasir Arafat begins international tour to confer with international leaders on the post-Oslo peace process, whether to unilaterally declare a state when the Oslo interim period ends on 5/4. (WT 2/20; MENA 2/20 in WNC 2/22)

Israel's Jerusalem Post reports that 22 new parties have been formed since early elections were declared 12/21, bring total number of political parties to 56. (JP 2/19)

Lebanese Chamber of Deputies speaker Nabih Birri meets with Hizballah secy. gen. Hassan Nasrallah to discuss coordination against Israel in light of Arnun occupation. (RL 2/19 in WNC 2/22) (see 2/18)

Arafat meets with Secy. Albright. In press conference afterward, he says that he cannot discuss the issue of declaring a Palestinian state. (MM, NYT, WT 2/4)

U.S. denounces Israeli media campaign begun 1/17 to portray Arafat as coddling "terrorists" by claiming that he released Palestinian prisoners who killed Americans. U.S. says Israel's claims are baseless; thinks media campaign is an attempt to detract fr. Arafat's visit to Washington and fr. the positive publicity Arafat earned during Clinton's 12/14 trip to Gaza. (al-Quds 2/3 in WNC 2/8; WJW, WP 2/4; MM 2/8; JP 2/12)

66 congressmen introduce legislation calling on Pres. Clinton to oppose recognition to any unilaterally declared Palestinian state. (MM 2/8)

Israeli pres. Ezer Weizman reduces the sentences of 8 Israelis convicted of killing or plotting to kill Palestinians, 5 Palestinians, 2 of whom were convicted of killing Palestinian collaborators. (MM, NYT, WP 2/4; al-Dustur 2/4 in WNC 2/8; WJW 2/11; JP 2/12)

Syrian delegation arrives in Russia for 11 days of talks on military-technical cooperation, acquisition of hardware. (Interfax 2/3 in WNC 2/4; al-Quds al-Arabi 2/3, Interfax, ITAR-TASS 2/5 in WNC 2/8; see also MM 1/26) (see 11/18)

UN says it will no longer allow Americans, Britons to work in its humanitarian program in Iraq because Baghdad refuses to ensure their safety. (NYT, WP, WT 2/4)

In a plea agmt., Cyprus drops charges of spying against 2 Mossad agents in exchange for their admissions to possessing banned listening equipment, approaching a restricted military zone; sentences them to 3-yr. prison terms. (NYT 1/30; NYT, WP, WT 2/2; MA 2/2 in WNC 2/4; JP 2/5, 2/12) (see 11/24)

In Amman, Arab interior ministers open 3-day mtg. on combatting terrorism, extradition of wanted persons, combatting drugs. (RJ 1/29 in WNC 2/1; RJ 1/29, al-Dustur, JT, MKR, RJ 1/30, al-Aswaq, JTV 1/31 in WNC 2/2)

IDF Chief of Staff Mufaz rebukes 100 reserve pilots who are refusing to fly until the DMin. grants them the same life insurance coverage as career officers. (NYT 1/30)

In London, U.S. special rep. Ricciardone meets with Iraqi opposition groups, including some declared eligible to receive aid under the ILA. (MM 2/1) (see 1/28)

In `Ayn al-Hilwa refugee camp in s. Lebanon, a Palestinian, Ahmad al-Awali, opens fire on anti-Arafat PLO Col. Munir Makdah, without hitting him. Awali is arrested for attempted assassination. Makdah blames the IDF. (VOL 1/29 in WNC 2/2)

King Hussein designates Prince Abdallah as heir to the throne. (JT 1/25 in WNC 1/26; JTV, Petra-JNA 1/25, 1/26 in WNC 1/27; NYT, WP, WT 1/26; Petra-JNA, RJ 1/26, RJ 1/27 in WNC 1/28; NYT 1/27; MEI, PR 1/29; al-Dustur 1/30 in WNC 2/2; CSM 2/2; WT 2/3; WJW 2/4) (see 1/22)

PM Netanyahu wins Likud primary over Arens. (Netanyahu takes over 75% of the votes, but only 30% of Likud mbrs. participate) Fmr. DM Mordechai announces that he will challenge Netanyahu for the premiership as leader of an emerging centrist party that includes fmr. IDF chief of staff Shahak, fmr. Finance M Meridor, fmr. Tel Aviv mayor Roni Milo. Shahak, Meridor drop their bids for PM. (MM 1/25; CSM, WP, WT 1/26; WJW 1/28, 2/4) (see 1/24)

Britain says that it is not party to U.S. attempts to overthrow Iraqi pres. Saddam Hussein, it will not assist the Iraqi opposition militarily. (MENA 1/25 in WNC 1/26) (see 1/21)

U.S. planes strike antimissile batteries in n., s. no-fly zones for 3d straight day. In Basra, 1 or more U.S. missiles goes astray, killing 11 Iraqi civilians, wounding 59. The U.S. recently expanded its strikes to include security infrastructure as well as missile batteries, radar stations; says that containing Saddam Hussein through low-visibility, sustained, reactive bombing is the only military action politically acceptable to Arab states. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 1/26; MENA 1/26 in WNC 1/27; JT 1/28 in WNC 1/29; MEI 1/29; NYT, WP 2/3; WP 2/13) (see 1/21)

SLA releases 16 detainees fr. al-Khiyam prison for humanitarian reasons. (VOL 1/25 in WNC 1/26)

IDF drops airborne commando unit into Wadi al-Hujayr in s. Lebanon to set up an ambush on road btwn. al-Ghanduriyya and Burj Qalawayh. Results in 4-hr. combat with Hizballah, including IDF air support. IDF allegedly aborts 2d drop. (RL 1/25 in WNC 1/26)

King Hussein designates Prince Abdallah as heir to the throne. (JT 1/25 in WNC 1/26; JTV, Petra-JNA 1/25, 1/26 in WNC 1/27; NYT, WP, WT 1/26; Petra-JNA, RJ 1/26, RJ 1/27 in WNC 1/28; NYT 1/27; MEI, PR 1/29; al-Dustur 1/30 in WNC 2/2; CSM 2/2; WT 2/3; WJW 2/4) (see 1/22)

PM Netanyahu wins Likud primary over Arens. (Netanyahu takes over 75% of the votes, but only 30% of Likud mbrs. participate) Fmr. DM Mordechai announces that he will challenge Netanyahu for the premiership as leader of an emerging centrist party that includes fmr. IDF chief of staff Shahak, fmr. Finance M Meridor, fmr. Tel Aviv mayor Roni Milo. Shahak, Meridor drop their bids for PM. (MM 1/25; CSM, WP, WT 1/26; WJW 1/28, 2/4) (see 1/24)

Britain says that it is not party to U.S. attempts to overthrow Iraqi pres. Saddam Hussein, it will not assist the Iraqi opposition militarily. (MENA 1/25 in WNC 1/26) (see 1/21)

U.S. planes strike antimissile batteries in n., s. no-fly zones for 3d straight day. In Basra, 1 or more U.S. missiles goes astray, killing 11 Iraqi civilians, wounding 59. The U.S. recently expanded its strikes to include security infrastructure as well as missile batteries, radar stations; says that containing Saddam Hussein through low-visibility, sustained, reactive bombing is the only military action politically acceptable to Arab states. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 1/26; MENA 1/26 in WNC 1/27; JT 1/28 in WNC 1/29; MEI 1/29; NYT, WP 2/3; WP 2/13) (see 1/21)

SLA releases 16 detainees fr. al-Khiyam prison for humanitarian reasons. (VOL 1/25 in WNC 1/26)

IDF drops airborne commando unit into Wadi al-Hujayr in s. Lebanon to set up an ambush on road btwn. al-Ghanduriyya and Burj Qalawayh. Results in 4-hr. combat with Hizballah, including IDF air support. IDF allegedly aborts 2d drop. (RL 1/25 in WNC 1/26)

Israel declines U.S. invitation to hold trilateral mtg. with the PA in Washington in 2/99 to discuss Wye implementation. Israeli FM Sharon says time is not right. (YA 1/25 in WNC 1/26) (see 1/17)

Ousted DM Mordechai joins the new Shahak-Meridor party. Netanyahu terms Mordechai "immoral" for consorting with centrists. (NYT, WP, WT 1/25; MA 1/25 in WNC 1/26) (see 1/23)

Israelis of Rumanian origin establish new political party, the Progressive Center Party. 14 requests to form new parties have been submitted since the last Knesset elections. Only 3 have been approved. (MA 1/25 in WNC 1/26)

Arab League mtg. on Iraq convenes in Cairo. Iraq attends but walks out in protest of what it calls a biased final statement that could give the U.S. a pretext to launch more airstrikes. The statement expresses "deep concern" over, but does not denounce, 12/98 U.S.-led attack; insists Iraq recognize Kuwait, comply with UN resolutions as a prelude to sanctions relief. Participants agree to set up ministerial comm. to work toward lifting economic sanctions on Iraq in accordance with a specific UN compliance time table. (WP 1/24; AFP, MENA, RE 1/24, al-Ayyam, al-Dustur, MENA, SANA 1/25 in WNC 1/26; MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/25; MENA, al-Quds al-Arabi 1/25, al-Safir 1/26 in WNC 1/27; MM, WT 1/26; MENA 1/28 in WNC 1/29; MEI 1/29)

48 Hamas, Islamic Jihad prisoners in the PA's Nablus, Jericho, Jneid jails begin hunger strike to protest the PA's failure to adhere to the PC's 1/13 call to free political prisoners held without charge at the end of Ramadan. (LAW, MEI, PR 1/29) (see 1/17)

Jewish settlers bulldoze Palestinian land nr. Bethlehem, including property of a historic monastery, to expand Efrat settlement. (INFOPAL 1/25)

U.S. planes attack 2 more Iraqi missile sites in the n. no-fly zone. (NYT, WP 1/25)

10,000s of Jordanians turn out to welcome King Hussein on his return to Jordan after 6 mos. of cancer treatment in the U.S. The king promises a "comprehensive review" of Jordan's course, hinting at change in succession. Arafat, leaders of Yemen, Qatar greet King Hussein at the airport. Israel, Syria, Saudi Arabia, the U.S. send congratulations. Israel also provides fighter escort to the king's plane on its flight over Israel. (JT, JTV, Petra-JNA, RJ, SATN 1/19 in WNC 1/20; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/20; AFP, JTV 1/20 in WNC 1/21; JTV 1/25 in WNC 1/27; MEI 1/29; al-Dustur 1/30 in WNC 2/2) (see 1/8)

Burglars break in to Greenberg Quinlan Research for 2d time, disabling a new sophisticated security system, stealing more sensitive material related to the Barak campaign. Barak advisers, who refused to speculate on the 1st robbery, this time directly blame the "Committee to Re-elect Netanyahu." Advisers also report that over the last 4 mos., homes of at least 7 Barak staff mbrs. have been burglarized, but nothing stolen. Netanyahu says break-ins were staged to "spread clouds of false accusations against the Likud." (MM, NYT, WP 1/20; CSM, MM, NYT, WJW, WP 1/21; WP 1/23; YA 1/29 in WNC 2/1; WJW 2/4) (see 1/13)

In Tel Aviv, U.S. special envoy Ross says that the U.S. plans to play a much less active role in final status negotiations, thinks "permanent status is not something that should be mediated." (USIS Washington File 1/12; NYT, WP 1/13; PR 1/15)

After 4 yrs., Lebanon lifts travel restrictions on Palestinians, dropping requirement for Palestinians to obtain visas to return to Lebanon. (RL 1/12 in WNC 1/13; NYT 1/13; RL 1/16 in WNC 1/20)

Netanyahu's office warns the PA that Israel would bar Arafat, PA officials fr. leaving he autonomous enclaves should the PA unilaterally declare statehood. (MEI 1/15)

PM Netanyahu meets with U.S. millionaire Irving Moskovitz, who is in town to decided which right-wing candidate for PM he will support financially in the 5/17 elections. Netanyahu gives assurances that he will not halt Moskovitz's construction of 132 units in the Palestinian neighborhood of Ras al-Amud in East Jerusalem. Congressman Michael Forbes (R-NY) is accompanying Moskovitz. (MM, WP 1/14; MM 1/21; JP 1/22; PR 1/29)

In what police, FBI term a sophisticated operation, burglars break into offices of prominent Washington polling firm, Greenberg Quinlan Research, that is advising Israeli PM-candidate Barak. Firm says that its international work was targeted, but it is uncertain whether files on Barak were among those stolen. (MM, WP 1/13; YA 1/13 in WNC 1/14; WJW 1/14; MM 1/20)

Israeli Religious Affairs M Eli Suissa cuts the size of local religious councils to keep them all Orthodox. A recent High Court ruling ordered the powerful councils (which run marriage bureaus and burial societies, maintain synagogues and ritual baths, supervise kosher inspections for both religious and secular Jews) be expanded to include Reform, Conservative Jews. (WT 1/13)

IDF lifts closure on Hebron imposed 1/4. (MM 1/14, MEI 1/15)

Unidentified assailant stabs, wounds Palestinian in West Jerusalem. (MM 1/12; PR 1/15, JP 1/22)

IDF uproots Palestinian orchard nr. Jewish settlement in the West Bank. (AFP [Internet] 1/12)

In Cairo, FMs of Egypt, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Yemen hold 2d mtg. to prepare agenda for 1/24 Arab League mtg. on Iraq. Jordan does not condemn mtg. but is upset at not being included, blames Syria, warns that "forming axes" only deepens Arab divisions. (MM 1/12; MENA, RE 1/12 in WNC 1/13; MM 1/13; al-Dustur, MENA 1/13 in WNC 1/14; MM 1/14; JT, MENA, RE 1/14 in WNC 1/16; MM 1/15) (see 1/3)

The U.S. secretly sends letters to Arab states urging them to support its position on Iraq at the 1/24 Arab League mtg. (MM 1/22)

U.S. planes fire on Iraqi missile battery in n. no-fly zone. Defense Dept. says that Iraq has sent planes into the no-fly zones 66 times in the past 2 wks., targeted U.S. and British planes 12 times, increased its number of missile sites fr. 9 to 17. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 1/13)

In his 1st policy address, Israeli PM candidate Shahak stakes out a left-of-center line, favoring resumption of negotiations with the PA, Syria. He says that a Palestinian state is inevitable, but Jerusalem should never be divided; Netanyahu is "dangerous for Israel." Polls show decline in Shahak's popularity after the address. (MM 1/6; IDF Radio 1/6 in WNC 1/7; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/7; YA 1/7 in WNC 1/8; JP 1/15)

Tensions over Hebron closure continue, with IDF shooting, killing 1 Palestinian protester. (NYT 1/7) (see 1/4)

Confirming long-standing Iraqi accusations, U.S. officials admit that for 3 yrs., U.S. spies using diplomatic cover/false identities worked undercover on UNSCOM teams but denies that the U.S. directed UNSCOM intelligence efforts. Officials say eavesdropping devices ("bugs") supplied to UNSCOM inspectors by Washington provided the U.S. with information used to undermine Saddam Hussein; the idea of using bugs was 1st suggested by fmr. UNSCOM cheif inspector Ritter in talks with Israeli intelligence. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/7; MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/8; al-Dustur 1/9, YA 1/10 in WNC 1/12; MM 1/13; MEI 1/15, 1/29) (see 1/5)

UNICEF, World Food Program releases the 1st independent report on the effect of U.S.-led attack on Iraq 12/16-19, showing that at least 12 schools and hospitals, a Bagdad water system supplying 300,000 persons, storehouse containing 2,600 tons of rice were hit. (NYT 1/7; WP 1/8)

In the 7th wk. of government crisis, PM-designate Erez gives up his bid to form a coalition after failing to form a government excluding Islamist parties. Ecevit will try again. (ATL 1/6 in WNC 1/7; CSM, WP 1/7) (see 12/23)

In Washington, Jordan's King Hussein, Pres. Clinton discuss peace process, Iraq, Jordanian economy. (JTV 1/5 in WNC 1/7; WT 1/6; al-Dustur 1/7 in WNC 1/8)

Confidants say that UN Secy. Gen. Annan has received convincing evidence that UNSCOM inspectors collected eavesdropping intelligence used in U.S. efforts to overthrow the Iraqi regime, is concerned it could undermine UN credibility. UNSCOM head Butler denies the reports. (WP 1/6; MM 1/7)

Kuwait's Dep. PM Shaykh Sa'd al-Abdallah al-Sabah visits Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan; says Jordanian-Kuwaiti ties are developing, Jordan's emb. in Kuwait City may reopen soon. (MM 1/5; RJ 1/5 in WNC 1/6; RJ 1/5 in WNC 1/7; MM 1/6; al-Dustur, al-Ra'i 1/7 in WNC 1/8; SA 1/9, 1/13 in WNC 1/14)

Jordan's governor of Irbid bans planned pro-Iraq rally. (al-Dustur 1/6 in WNC 1/7)

In 2 separate incidents, Iraqi planes challenge U.S. planes in the s. no-fly zone but do not shoot. U.S. fires on the 4 planes but misses. (GIU, NYT, WT, WP 1/6; CSM 1/7)

An IDF soldier is seriously wounded in s. Lebanon by a Hizballah remote-controlled bomb. (MM 1/6)