The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Palestinian residents of Jalud, al-Mughir, Qaryut, Turmusaya villages scuffle with Jewish settlers fr. nearby Shafut Rahil, who begin plowing under plots owned by the villagers. IDF troops intervene to break up the fight. (AYM 2/5 in WNC 2/10)

In s. Lebanon, IDF helicopters fire rockets at the car of Hizballah's top military cmdr. Ibrahim `Aql, slightly injuring `Aql, 6 civilians. The failed assassination attempt was meant as retaliation for the recent series of fatal Hizballah attacks on IDF, SLA targets. (RL 2/4, AFP 2/5 in WNC 2/7; NYT 2/7; JP, MEI 2/11; JP 2/18) (see 1/31)

The SLA evacuates Sujud post in s. Lebanon. The IDF calls the withdrawal a tactical maneuver. (RL 2/4 in WNC 2/7)

In Jeddah, Iran, Saudi Arabia hold talks on expanding bilateral trade. (SA 2/5 in WNC 2/10)

Arafat says final status talks with Israel are deadlocked, accuses Israel of using talks as a cover for settlement expansion, urges U.S. intervention. (WP, WT 12/4) (see 12/2)

In Nablus, 100s of Palestinians rally in support of PC mbr. Masri, who was wounded by masked gunmen on 12/1. (WP 12/4; WJW 12/9)

Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops clash with 200 Palestinians demonstrating against Israeli settlement expansion, leaving 4 injured. (NYT 12/4)

Israel submits to Jordan a proposal that would allow direct ("door-to-door") transportation of goods fr. Jordan to the West Bank as of mid-1/00. (JT [Internet] 12/4)

In Irbid, 100s of Jordanians participate in a rally organized by the Islamic Action Front to urge the government to reconsider its deportation of 4 Hamas leaders on 11/21. (JT 12/4 in WNC 12/6) (see 11/26)

Several high-ranking Iranian clerics traveling to Washington on special State Dept. visas to participate in a Georgetown seminar are halted by U.S. customs officials in New York, who fingerprint, photograph, and subject them to racist insults. The delegation returns to Iran in protest. The State Dept. says only that mistakes were made. (WT 12/4) (see 11/22)

World leaders attend funeral of King Hassan II of Morocco in Rabat. Egypt's Mubarak, Israel's Barak, Jordan's King Abdallah, PA's Arafat, U.S.'s Clinton attend. Although Syria's Asad stays in Damascus to avoid meeting Barak, his brother, Rifat, attends, grants an interview to the Israeli daily Ma'ariv afterward. On the sidelines, Barak holds brief, warm mtg. with Algerian pres. Bouteflika; also speaks with leaders of Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, Yemen. Kuwaiti crown prince Saad Abdallah Sabah refuses to shake hands with Arafat. Clinton speaks briefly with Arafat, Barak, Mubarak about the peace process. (ATL, MAP [Rabat], MENA 7/25 in WNC 7/26; CSM, MM, NYT, USIS Washington File, WP, WT 7/26; RE 7/26 in WNC 7/27; MM, WT 7/27; MA, QA 7/27 in WNC 7/28; MM, WP 7/28; QA 7/28 in WNC 7/29; MEI, MM 7/30; al-Watan [Algiers] 7/31 in WNC 8/2; Le Monde 8/1-2; JP 8/6)

Israeli PM Barak sends the IDF to remove 5 mobile homes placed by Jewish settlers on a West Bank hilltop on 7/23 to expand an existing encampment, Shvut Rahel. Barak does not order the dismantling of Shvut Rahel itself--1 of 25 new enclaves that have been set up since the Wye agmt. was signed in 10/98. (NYT, WP 7/26)

In Amman, Iran, Jordan hold talks on expanding cooperation in culture, religion, tourism. (IRNA, RJ 7/25 in WNC 7/26)

IDF bulldozes the temporary shelter constructed by the Palestinian family whose home was demolished on 7/14. (INFOPAL [Internet] 7/30)

On the 1st stop of his regional tour, Turkish pres. Suleyman Demirel meets with Israeli pres. Ezer Weizman, PM Barak in Jerusalem; says that resumption of Syrian-Israeli negotiations would not affect Turkish-Israeli ties, despite tensions btwn. Ankara, Damascus. (MM 7/14; ATL 7/14 in WNC 7/15; MA 7/14 in WNC 7/16; NYT 7/15; WA 7/23 in WNC 7/26)

Arafat discusses peace process with Egyptian pres. Mubarak on the sidelines of the Organization of African Unity mtg. in Algiers. Arafat then departs for brief visit to Lithuania. (BNS [Tallinn], MENA 7/15 in WNC 7/16)

After 6 days of proreform student protests in Iran, crowds across the country (including 100,000 people in Tehran alone) turn out for counterdemonstrations organized by conservative officials. (CSM, NYT, WP 7/15; CSM, MEI, MM 7/16; MM 7/19; WJW 7/22)

Jordan holds local municipal elections. Islamic Action Front, the main Islamist opposition, wins majority of seats in Irbid, Russayfa, Zarqa; takes 5 of 20 elected seats in Amman. (Petra-JNA, RJ 7/14 in WNC 7/15; MM 7/16; NYT 7/17; MEI 7/30; MM 8/5)

Syrian pres. Asad grants amnesty to 150,000 prisoners jailed for cheating on food rations, dodging military service, smuggling, economic offenses. 100s of Palestinians, Jordanian nationals are among those freed. A number of Jordanians held as political prisoners will not be released. (MM 7/14; NYT 7/15; JT 8/3 in WNC 8/5)

Iran wins $50 m. contract to construct a power plant, repair several existing plants in Syria. (Iran News 7/15 in WNC 7/19)

IDF dismantles, confiscates a telephone communications network serving 10s of residents in the Palestinian neighborhood of al-Ram in East Jerusalem. The network was set up 18 mos. ago by the Palestinian Communications Company. (al-Ayyam 7/15 in WNC 7/19)

For the 1st time since the Barak government was sworn in, the IDF demolishes a Palestinian home in the West Bank. (INFOPAL [Internet] 7/30)

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)

On arrival in Cairo for mtgs. with Pres. Mubarak, Arafat meets with Libyan leader Col. Mu`ammar Qaddafi. (MENA 3/8 in WNC 3/10)

Fistfights break out btwn. Palestinians and Jewish settlers fr. Efrat settlement in the West Bank who began digging trench on Palestinian land to lay water pipes to their settlement. (AFP [Internet] 3/8)

Qatar holds 1st elections. Although women are allowed to vote, run for office, all 6 female candidates for the 29 mbr. municipal council are defeated. (MM 3/8; MM, WP 3/9; MM 3/10)

U.S. Defense Secy. Cohen holds talks on Iraq with officials in Oman, the UAE. The U.S. is proposing a shared early warning system that would provide Gulf allies immediate access to intelligence on Iraq, Iran. (MM, NYT 3/8; NYT, WT 3/9; MEI 3/12)

 Clinton flies into Gaza airport by helicopter to attend the PNC session on the PLO charter, becoming the 1st sitting president to set foot on Palestinian soil. PNC mbrs., other officials approve the nullification of clauses of the PLO charter by show of hands. PM Netanyahu says he is satisfied but still will not carry out the next stage of the FRD on 12/18. U.S. says it will not press Netanyahu on the issue because of the upcoming Knesset no-confidence vote 12/21. In a luncheon speech, Pres. Clinton refers the Palestinian people's "chance to determine their own destiny on their own land," but does not speak of the right to self-determination or statehood directly. Palestinians view his visit to Gaza as tacit U.S. acknowledgement of their right to sovereignty. (CSM, MM 12/14; al-Aswaq, al-Dustur, IDF Radio, ITV, JT, MENA, al-Ra`i RE, al-Safir 12/14 in WNC 12/15; IDF Radio, ITV 12/14, AFP, JT, MA, RE 12/15 in WNC 12/16; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/15; WJW 12/17; ITAR-TASS 12/17 in WNC 12/21; Tishrin 12/16, al-Thawra 12/17 in WNC 12/28; PR 12/18; JP 12/21; MEI 12/25)

Hillary Clinton visits a Palestinian refugee camp in Gaza, the Israeli-Palestinian town of Neve Shalom. (CSM 12/14; WP, WT 12/15; PR 12/18)

U.S. Commerce Secy. William Daley attends the official opening of th Qarni industrial zone. Coca Cola will be the first U.S. company to open operations in the zone. A total of 22 factories in the zone are ready for operation; 14 have been leased. (JP 12/21, 12/28)

Secy. Albright meets with Israeli DM Mordechai to discuss Wye implementation, Lebanon. (IDF Radio 12/14 in WNC 12/15)

Palestinians in Lebanese, Syrian refugee camps demonstrate against Wye agmt., amendment of the PLO charter. (VOL 12/14 in WNC 12/15; SATN 12/14 in WNC 12/16)

Jordan confirms that it recently deported, but did not turn over to the IDF, 3 Palestinians carrying PA passports fr. the kingdom because they are mbrs. of Hamas's Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades, pose a security threat. (JT 12/15 in WNC 12/16; al-Dustur 12/15 in WNC 12/17)

In the West Bank, 2 Palestinians are wounded in clash with IDF. (AFP [Internet] 12/15)

Iran announces it has signed a deal with Anglo-Dutch Royal Dutch/Shell and the British Lasmo to explore Caspian Sea oil reserves. The $19.8-m. deal is just below the threshold set by the U.S. under its Iran-Libya Sanctions Act, which threatens economic reprisals against any company investing more than $20 m. in those countries oil industries. (WT 12/16)

In Washington, Israeli FM Sharon informs Pres. Clinton, Secy. Albright that Israel will not carry out the 2d stage of the FRD by 2/18, claiming PA has violated "every paragraph" of Wye; warns Clinton not to raise Palestinian expectations during his upcoming visit. Sharon asks CIA Dir. George Tenet to reconsider his opposition to spy for Israel Jonathan Pollard's release. (MM 12/8; WJW 12/10)

Knesset postpones no-confidence vote on Netanyahu to 12/21 in light of Pres. Clinton's trip to the region this weekend. (MM 12/7; MM, NYT, WT 12/8; MA 12/8, IDF Radio 12/9 in WNC 12/11; WJW 12/10; MEI 12/11)

In Nablus, PA police clash with 100s of Palestinians demonstrating against Israel's refusal to release political prisoners, injuring 19. Demonstrators set fire to 2 police cars, a bus. 50 Palestinians are injured, 1 is killed in other West Bank clashes with the IDF. 4 Israeli border policemen, 2 settlers are also injured. (NYT, WP, WT 12/8; MM 12/9; PR 12/11)

U.S. Health Secy. Donna Shalala arrives in Lebanon on an official visit. Shalala, the highest ranking Arab American in the U.S. government, is also the highest ranking U.S. official to visit Lebanon in yrs. (MM 12/9)

The U.S. drops Iran fr. list of major drug-producing countries, saying it has largely eliminated the illegal opium trade. (WT 12/8)

3-day Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) mtg. opens in Abu Dhabi. FMs fr. Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE discuss recent mtgs. with U.S. Secy. of State Albright in Washington, where Albright asked them to come up with new ideas on how to deal with the Iraqi government, how the Iraqi opposition could be used. (MM 12/7, 12/8, 12/10, 12/16) (see 11/24)

As the Knesset begins debate on ratification of the 10/23 Wye River Memorandum, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu suspends the agmt.'s implementation, saying he will not carry out the 1st of 3 stages of further redeployment (FRD) required by Wye until PA head Yasir Arafat retracts his 11/15 threat to stage an uprising against Israel if Palestinian access to Jerusalem is blocked. (MM 11/16; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 11/17; WJW 11/19)

U.S. special envoy Dennis Ross meets with Arafat in Jericho. (ITV 11/16 in WNC 11/18; WT 11/17)

In Cairo, Netanyahu political adviser Uzi Arad discusses Wye agmt. with Egyptian FM `Amr Musa, who criticizes Israeli implementation delays. (MENA 11/16 in WNC 11/17, WNC 11/18)

In Gaza, Israel, Jordan, the U.S. meet to discuss the Irbid industrial zone project. (Petra-JNA 11/17 in WNC 11/19; JT 11/23 in WNC 11/24; Petra-JNA 11/23 in WNC 11/30)

In Cairo, Russia, Egypt hold high-level experts mtg. on defense cooperation. Russian DM hopes deepening military ties "will become an important factor of peace and stability in the Middle East." (Interfax, ITAR-TASS, MENA 11/16 in WNC 11/17; MENA 11/17 in WNC 11/18)

After 3 days of talks, Oman, Iran reach military cooperation agmt. to enhance Gulf security, which will include joint exercises. (IRNA 11/16 in WNC 11/17)

PM Netanyahu announces creation of Birthright Israel program, which will pay for any Jew aged 15+n26 to visit Israel in hopes of rebuilding Jewish identity of youth, who more frequently marry non-Jews, are nonpracticing. The program, expected to cost $300 m., will be funded by the Israeli government, major North American Jewish donors, the Council of Jewish Federations. (NYT 11/16; WJW 11/19, 11/26, 1/7)

Citing Israeli FM Ariel Sharon's 11/15 call for settlers to "grab" disputed West Bank land, 30 settlers fr. Keddumim set up "presettlement" on nearby hilltop. (MM 11/17; MA 11/17 in WNC 11/18; WT 11/19)

Palestinians in al-Khader protest confiscation of land for bypass road. (CSM 11/17)

Israel Defense Force (IDF) convoy triggers roadside bomb in s. Lebanon, killing 3 soldiers, wounding 4. Hizballah claims responsibility. (AFP, ITV, RL 11/16 in WNC 11/17; MM, WP 11/17; WT 11/18; MEI 11/27; JP 11/30)

The Executive Authority ratifies the Wye agmt. (NYT 10/31; WP 11/1)

Israeli FM Sharon sends letter to UN Secy. Gen. Annan on Wye agmt.; UN stands on Israel, peace process (YA 10/30 in WNC 11/2; Reuters [Internet] 11/2; MM 11/3) (see Doc. C1)

PSF arrests 10s of alleged Hamas mbrs.; searches Shaykh Yasin's home, confiscating papers, weapons fr. his body guards. Netanyahu's office dismisses crackdown as a "show" to save the Wye agmt. (MM 10/30; LAW, NYT, WT 10/31; NYT 11/2; PR 11/6)

PM Netanyahu announces allocation of nearly $1 m. for maintaining security of Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem, $60 m. for construction of bypass roads in the West Bank. (PR 11/6; MEI 11/16)

U.S.-sponsored Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty begins propaganda broadcasts to Iraq, Iran fr. Czechoslovakia. (WT 10/31; WP 11/4) (see 7/29)

PM Netanyahu, FM Sharon stop in Amman to brief Crown Prince Hassan on talks with the PA before heading to Washington. (MM 10/14; RJ 10/14 in WNC 10/15; NYT 10/14; JTV, al-Dustur 10/15 in WNC 10/17; YA 10/18 in WNC 10/20; MM 10/19; al-Watan al-Arabi 11/6 in WNC 11/12)

1,000s of right-wing Israelis outside PM Netanyahu's home demonstrate against FRD. (ITV 10/14 in WNC 10/16)

Turkey announces preparations for talks with Syria. (MENA 10/14 in WNC 10/15; MIL, Sabah 10/14 in WNC 10/16; IRNA 10/19 in WNC 10/20) (see 10/13)

The UN secures the Taliban's agmt. to hold talks with Iran in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia, toward ending the military standoff along their common border. (WP 10/17) (see 10/8)

Nr. Nablus, a Palestinian boy is critically injured, his mother lightly wounded when a munition fr. an IDF firing range 700 meters away that had landed unexploded in the family's olive grove detonates. (Infopal News Bulletin [Internet] 10/14)

Construction begins on 1,200 new houses for Jewish settlers in the West Bank. Contractors claim the new buildings are an expansion of Alei Zahav settlement, which is over a mile away. Alei Zahav has 330 residents (90 families). (Infopal News Bulletin [Internet] 10/15)

U.S. envoy Ross meets again with PM Netanyahu, DM Mordechai. (WT 9/12)

Reacting to IDF raid 9/10, Palestinians fire at an Israeli bus carrying Jewish settlers to Nablus, causing no injuries. Israeli police fire rubber bullets at Palestinian protesters at a West Bank blockade, wounding 5. (NYT 9/11; NYT, WP, WT 9/12)

Yevgeny Primakov is approved as the new Russian PM. Primakov, who has an intelligence background, strongly supports the Arab position in the peace process, lifting of sanctions on Iraq. (MM 9/14; Vesti 9/17 in WNC 9/21; MM 9/18; ITAR-TASS 9/20 in WNC 9/22)

The Taliban admits its mbrs. killed at least 8 Iranian diplomats in 8/8 raid. Iran warns of retaliation. (MM 9/11; WP 9/12; RJ 9/13 in WNC 9/15; MM 9/15) (see 9/1)

Israel rejects U.S. criticism of Jerusalem development plan, saying plan does not call for annexing more West Bank land, "only improving services with an administrative reorganization." (WP, WT 6/21; NYT 6/22;JP 6/27) (see 6/19)

In Doha, Jordanian PM Majali discusses possible Arab summit, bilateral relations with Qatar's amir, Shaykh Hamad Bin-Khalifa al-Thani. (al-Ra'i 6/21 in WNC 6/23)

In Baghdad, Iraq, Iran hold follow-up talks on POWs fr. their 1980+n88 war. (NYT 6/21) (see 4/20)

In Sana', 100s of riot police, soldiers clash with 1,000s of Yemenis in 2d day of protests against fuel price increases. (WP 6/21; MM 6/22; WT 6/23; WP, WT 6/24; MM 6/29) (see 6/19)

In Washington, Secy. Albright, PM Netanyahu hold 2d day of fruitless talks aimed at restarting peace talks. Lower-level teams headed by U.S. special envoy Ross, Israeli Cabinet Secy. Nave will work over the weekend. Netanyahu spends rest of day making courtesy calls to mbrs. of Congress, attending lunch in his honor hosted by the Comm. on International Relations; does not lobby mbrs. to pressure administration to moderate its position. (MM 5/14; NYT, WP, WT 5/15)

100,000s of Palestinians across the West Bank, Gaza, Jerusalem turn out for 2-minute moment of silence, nonviolent "March of 1 Million" to mark 50 yrs. of dispossession (known as al-Nakba). Marches in several areas (including, Bethlehem, Gaza, Hebron, Jericho, Jerusalem, Jinin, Nablus, Ramallah) devolve into clashes with IDF, which fires live ammunition, rubber bullets, killing 5 Palestinians, wounding 200-400, making this the worst day of violence in the territories since 9/25/96. 20 Israeli soldiers, policemen and 2 civilians are also injured. Netanyahu calls demonstrations a PA "pressure tactic." (LAW, MM 5/14; IDF Radio, ITV 5/14 in WNC 5/15; NYT, WP, WT 5/15; JTV 5/14, Anatolia [Ankara], Corriere della Sera [Milan] 5/15 in WNC 5/18; LAW 5/18; WP 5/19)

50,000 Palestinians in Syria hold march in Yarmuk refugee camp to commemorate al-Nakba. (JP 5/23)

In Jerusalem, fire damages one of the wooden doors of the al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Israel police suspect Jewish extremists. (RJ 5/14 in WNC 5/15; WP 5/15)

In Ankara, Iran, Turkey hold talks on expanding ties. (IRNA 5/14 in WNC 5/18) (see 5/4)

In Ankara, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey hold follow-up discussions on the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline project. (Anatolia [Ankara] 5/14 in WNC 5/15) (see 4/26)

IDF expels 3 Lebanese civilians fr. s. Lebanon security zone for celebrating release of relative fr. SLA custody. (AFP 5/14 in WNC 5/15; RL 5/15 in WNC 5/18)

Israel 2-day official celebration of its 50th anniversary (by the Jewish calendar) begins. Jubilee officials have banned any reference to the Oslo process during official programs; Pres. Weizman, who is critical of government's handling of peace process, has not been scheduled to speak. IDF places closure on the West Bank, Gaza for the long weekend. (CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/29; Tishrin 4/29 in WNC 5/6; NYT, WT 4/30; Interfax, Star, Xinhua [Beijing] 4/30 in WNC 5/1; JP 5/2)

Jordanian government bans rally planned by 13 opposition parties to highlight the 50th anniversary of Israel's occupation of Palestinian lands. (JT 4/30 in WNC 5/1; al-Majd [Amman] 5/4 in WNC 5/6; MEI 5/8)

Hamas spiritual leader Shaykh Yasin arrives unexpectedly in Iran. (MM 4/29; IRIB Television 5/2 in WNC 5/6; WT 5/4; MM 5/7; WT 5/13) (Peace Monitor)

Switzerland announces that Israel has paid a $2-m. bail to free Mossad agent arrested for spying 2/19. (WP 4/30; JP 5/9) (see 2/27)

In separate incidents in Amman, unknown assailants place bombs under the car of fmr. Jordanian intelligence chief Muhammad Kilani, outside the home of Senator Jawdat al-Subul. (AFP 4/29, al-Dustur 4/30 in WNC 5/1; MENA 4/30 in WNC 5/5; RJ 5/10 in WNC 5/13)

In s. Lebanon, a Lebanese civilian is seriously wounded by IDF shelling. (VOL 4/29 in WNC 5/1)

Arafat speaks with Secy. Albright, urges the U.S. to publicly present its 13.1% FRD plan so as to pressure Israel. (WT 4/5)

81 senators send AIPAC-drafted letter to Pres. Clinton, urging him not to pressure Israel by publicly issuing a U.S. FRD proposal. AIPAC tried to get CPMAJO to endorse the letter, but it refused, saying AIPAC was creating an unnecessary sense of crisis. (WJW 4/2; NYT 4/7; MM 4/8; WJW 4/9; MEI 4/10; WT 4/13; NYT 4/26; MM 5/1) (see 3/29)

Egypt calls for exchange of ambs. with Iran. (IRNA 4/3 in WNC 4/6)

Some 10,000 Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza hold rallies to denounce what they believe to be Israel's assassination of Hamas's Sharif. (MM 4/3; ITV 4/3 in WNC 4/6; WT 4/4) (see 4/2)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah detonates roadside bomb as SLA unit passes, killing 7 SLA mbrs. IDF shells area in response, damaging 2 civilian homes. (RL, VOL 4/3 in WNC 4/6)

Palestinian demonstrations continue in Hebron after settlers reenter PA sector, smash car windows. PA police, IDF disperse protesters. From 60 to 100 Palestinians have been injured in West Bank clashes since 3/10. (WP, WT 3/15; ITV 3/16 in WNC 3/17; WT 3/16; MM 3/17) (see 3/13)

In Afula, Israel, a small bomb explodes in a bus station, injuring an Israeli man who was seen moving a box just moments before. (WP, WT 3/15; PR 3/20)

On his way to a 2-day Organization of the Islamic Conference mtg. in Doha, Arafat stops briefly in Cairo to confer with Pres. Mubarak on the peace process. (MENA 3/14 in WNC 3/17)

In Damascus, Iran, Syria discuss upgrading cultural relations, exchanges. (IRNA 3/14 in WNC 2/17) (see 3/13)

Despite ramifications of the failed assassination attempt 9/25, Israeli Infrastructures M Sharon vows that Israel will eventually kill Hamas political leader Mishal. (ITV 3/14 in WNC 3/17; NYT 3/15; MM 3/16; al-Dustur 3/17 in WNC 3/19, 3/20; PR 3/20; NYT 3/25; MEI 3/27; JT 5/3 in WNC 5/6)

In Tehran, Iran, Syria discuss expanding transportation cooperation. (IRNA 3/13 in WNC 3/16)

West Bank demonstrations against over death of 3 Palestinians 3/10 continue for 4th day. In Dura, 7 Palestinians are injured in clash with IDF, which is broken up by PA police; settlers stone Palestinian home. In Nablus, PA police, IDF fire tear gas at 1,000s of Palestinians to break up riot; 200 PA police keep protesters fr. reaching Jewish seminary at Joseph's tomb. (NYT, WT 3/14)

A bomb explodes in East Jerusalem, wounding 4 Palestinians as they leave Friday prayers at al-Aqsa Mosque. PA claims package bomb was placed by settlers. Israel claims it was being carried by Palestinians on their way to West Jerusalem, prematurely detonated. (MM 3/13; NYT 3/14; PR 3/20)

In Hebron, 40 armed Jewish settlers march into PA-controlled area of Hebron, sparking riot. IDF fires on Palestinians with rubber bullets to break up clash, injuring 14 Palestinians, 8 journalists. Observers forming the Temporary International Presence in Hebron fault the IDF for allowing the settlers to get past them and into the PA sector. (QY 3/13 in WNC 3/16; NYT 3/14; WP 3/15; WP 3/16; LAW, MM 3/17; WJW 3/19; PR 3/20; MEI 3/27; JP 3/28)

In Cairo, Arafat briefs Pres. Mubarak on PA plans for reenergizing the peace process now that the Iraq crisis has passed. (MENA 2/25)

After several days of stone throwing clashes btwn. Palestinians and soldiers, the IDF seals the entrance to Qalandiyya refugee camp in the West Bank. Palestinians continue to throw stones at troops, who fire live ammunition, tear gas. 1 Palestinian is severely beaten by soldiers, 5 are arrested. Tear gas enters a girls school nearby. (NYT, WP 2/26)

In Amman, Jordan, Iran hold talks on improving bilateral tourism. (IRNA 2/25 in WNC 3/3)

Jordan' State Security Court sentences 10 Jordanians with trying to smuggle weapons to the West Bank. (al-Dustur 2/26 in WNC 3/3)

Germany says it has uncovered new cases of illegal weapons exports to Libya, Syria. (ARD Television [Munich] 2/25 in WNC 3/3)

In Bogota, 4 fmr. IDF officers are among 6 persons indicted on charges of training Columbian paramilitary units of the Medellin drug cartel in terror tactics in the 1987+n89. (WP, WT 2/27)

An Israeli judge suggests that Samuel Sheinbein, an American who fled to Israel after allegedly murdering a teenager in Maryland and claimed Israeli citizenship to avoid extradition, voluntarily return to the U.S. to stand trial, serve time in Israeli jail if convicted. (WP 2/26) (see 10/19/97)

Secy. of State Albright travels to Bahrain, Egypt to discuss Iraq issue. Bahrain agrees to allow U.S. forces to stage strikes fr. its air bases if necessary. Both Bahrain, Egypt call for diplomatic solution but agree to U.S. phrasing that if the U.S. attacks Iraq it would be Saddam Hussein's fault. (MM 2/3; MENA 2/3 in WNC 2/4, 2/6; MM, WP, WT 2/4; MEI 2/13) (see 2/2)

Turkey's army chief Gen. Hussein Kizriko_lu begins 4-day visit to Israel to discuss military cooperation. (WT 2/4; see also MM 1/12)

Iran's Majles speaker Ali Akbar Nateq-Nuri arrives in Syria for 3-day visit; discussions on developing economic, commercial ties. (IRNA, SATN 2/3 in WNC 2/4; IRNA 2/3, IRNA, SATN 2/4, IRNA 2/5 in WNC 2/6; IRNA 2/5 in WNC 2/6)

To mark end of Ramadan, PA grants pardons or early releases to 31 Palestinian prisoners, including 2 convicted in connection with the 1/22/95 Beit Lid bombing that killed 21 Israelis. Israel similarly releases 23 Palestinian prisoners. (WP 2/4; JP 2/7)

In the West Bank, Palestinians protest Israel plans to confiscate land for expansion of Modi'in settlement. (PR 2/13)

In Washington, Clinton meets with Arafat, encourages him to accept U.S. FRD proposal (see 1/20). Arafat refuses, saying that he expects Israel to hand over 91% of the est Bank before the final stages of the permanent status talks. Arafat agrees to renegotiate the 12/17 MOU on security, gives Clinton 2 letters: one, requested by the U.S., formalizing Palestinian recognition of Israel's right to exist, spelling out for the 1st time which of the 33 articles of the 1968 PLO charter were annulled in 1996; the other saying that a "time-out" on Israeli settlement construction should extend to every place on the West Bank that is not within 50 meters of an existing settlement structure. After mtg., Clinton says that he hopes that land for peace will prevail in the Middle East that "the Palestinians can realize their aspirations to live as a free people." (NYT, WP, WT 1/23; ITV, MENA 1/23, JT, RE 1/24 in WNC 1/27; MM, WT 1/26; MEI 1/30; MA 2/3 in WNC 2/4)

CIA Dir. George Tenet meets with Arafat at his hotel to discuss security issues, 12/17 MOU on security. (NYT, WP 1/23)

Israeli Interior Min. approves 2 building plans for the Palestinian neighborhood of Ras al-Amud in Jerusalem: "Arab sector" plan includes the construction of "additional public space," 1,020 housing units; "Jewish sector" plan includes 132 housing units. Construction permits are not issued automatically; Jewish, Arab landowners must apply to the local authority for permits. (IGPO 2/4; MM, NYT 2/5) (see 9/14/97)

U.S. orders deportation of Hani al-Sayigh, a Saudi Arabian suspected of involvement in the 6/96 bombing of the U.S. barracks at al-Khobar. Sayigh fled Saudi Arabia for Canada (3/97), which then extradited him to the U.S. (6/97) at Washington's request to provide testimony linking Iran with the bombing. Sayigh failed to provide such information, and the U.S. was forced to drop charges of collusion against him for lacked evidence. He faces possible execution if he is sent back to Saudi Arabia. (NYT, WP) (see 9/9)

IDF opens fire with rubber bullets, live ammunition, teargas, percussion grenades on Palestinians protesting bulldozing of land nr. Neve Dalim settlement, injuring 4. (PCHR 1/24) (see 1/21)

Israel launches Ofek-4 satellite to spy on Iran, Iraq, Syria, but it disintegrates before entering orbit. (ITV 1/23 in WNC 1/27; WT 1/24; MM 1/26; JP 2/7)

Israeli Infrastructures M Sharon takes Netanyahu, 7 cabinet mbrs. on a tour of the West Bank to underscore need for Israel to retain security zones after FRD. (IDF Radio 12/28, al-Quds 1/29 in WNC 1/1; WT 12/29; JP 1/10) (see 12/23)

Saying that Pollard "has paid a heavier price than any other person convicted of a similar crime" in the U.S., PM Netanyahu orders the formation of a special ministerial team (PM, DM, FM, atty. gen., MKs Limor Livnat and Yuli Edelstein) to lobby for Pollard's release. (YA 12/29 in WNC 1/1; JP 1/3) (see 12/14)

Azerbaijan announces support for plan, backed by U.S., to transport Caspian oil, gas through Turkey. Meanwhile, Iran, Turkey, Turkmenistan sign agmt. opposed by U.S. to construct gas pipeline fr. Turkmenistan, through Iran and Turkey, to Europe. (Interfax [Moscow], IRNA, ITAR-TASS 12/28 in WNC 1/1) (see 11/19)

Donor's 2-day Consultative Group mtg. opens in Paris, reviews PA's Palestinian Development Program for 1998+n2000. (PR 12/19, 1/2)

The Israeli cabinet begins debate on ministerial team proposals for size of area to be retained by Israel in a final agmt., reaches no conclusion. Netanyahu criticizes EU, U.S. for pressuring Israel on FRD issue. During the cabinet session, 100s of West Bank settlers protest government willingness to discuss FRD. (ITV 12/14 in WNC 12/16; CSM, MM, NYT 12/15)

Asst. Secy. of State Indyk meets with PM Netanyahu; holds 2d mtg. with Israeli DM Mordechai, focuses on Iran's missile development program; then heads to Jordan, meets with Crown Prince Hasan. (RJ 12/14, QY 12/15 in WNC 12/16; MA 12/15 in WNC 12/17)

Iranian pres. Muhammad Khatami calls for dialogue with the U.S. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/15; MA, QY, YA 12/15 in WNC 12/16; MEI 12/19)

As part of a bid to win Pollard's release, Netanyahu sends letter of support to Pollard, stating "the entire nation is concerned by your continued imprisonment." Some senior Israeli FMin. officials reportedly disapprove of the "festival of ministerial visits" to Pollard. (WP, WT 12/15; WJW 12/18) (see 12/12)

Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan makes unscheduled visit to Ramallah via Jordan to meet with Arafat. Israel denied a visa to Farrakhan, who is on a 52-nation world tour, unless he publicly apologizes for past declarations viewed as anti-Semitic by Israel. (NYT, WP, WT 12/15; NYT, WP, WT 12/16; WJW 12/18; WT 12/22)

Arafat says he is healthy despite the uncontrollable trembling of this lower lip, which an Israeli doctor has said may be a sign of Parkinson's disease. (WP 11/20; MEI 11/21; 11/30 in WNC 12/9)

Israel agrees to allow 250 civilian PLO employees to take up permanent residence in the West Bank/Gaza.(al-Dustur 11/19 in WNC 11/21; PR 11/21)

Israel court jails for 5 yrs. a PA Preventive Security Force (PSF) officer convicted of abducting an Arab informer for Israel fr. Jerusalem, taking him to Jericho, torturing him. (WP 11/20)

Israel places Gaza resident Ashraf Atta Ahmad Kandil under administrative detention in an Israeli prison for 6 mos. He is the only Gazan under administrative detention, along with 600 West Bank Palestinians. (PCHR 1/15)

Russia's minister of science and technology arrives in Israel for mtg. of the joint Russian-Israeli Economic Comm. to discus ways of increasing cooperation. (Globes [Internet] 11/19 in WNC 11/21)

Facing the erosion of its efforts to isolate Iran economically, U.S. announces new policy of pushing for a "Eurasian transportation corridor" (fr. Azerbaijan to Turkey) to bring Caspian oil to the West; pressuring Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan to shelve proposal for pipeline through Iran to the Gulf. U.S. Energy Secy. Federico Peña says U.S. has no plans to help finance the Eurasian corridor project. (NYT, WP, WT 11/20; MM 11/26)

Hizballah detonates roadside bomb in s. Lebanon, injuring 1 South Lebanon Army (SLA) mbr. (VOL 11/19 in WNC 11/21)

UN Comm. Against Torture discusses Israeli torture of Palestinian detainees. (WT 11/12)

Vatican signs agmt. with Israel, defining church's legal status in holy land for 1st time in 500 yrs. (WP, WT 11/11; WJW 11/13)

At the Likud convention, PM Netanyahu is booed, jeered off the stage by his own central comm. mbrs. when he attempts to give his speech as party head. (WT 11/12)

In Damascus, Iran, Syria discuss expanding economic cooperation, review draft agmt. on boosting bilateral trade. (IRNA 11/10 in WNC 11/12)

100s of Palestinians in West Bank, Gaza rally in support of Iraq in its current conflict with the U.S. (WP 11/11) (see 11/2)

PA-Israeli subcomm. mtgs. resume for 1st time in 7 mos. with a security subcomm. mtg. in Tel Aviv. Joint Steering Comm. will meet once every 2 wks. to discuss progress of 8 subcomms.(ITV 10/7 in WNC 10/8)

LACC meets in Ramallah. (UNSCO press release 10/26)

In Washington, Pres. Clinton discusses status of peace process with Israeli pres. Ezer Weizman; rejects Weizman proposal for Camp David-style summit, saying sides are too far apart for success. (MM 10/8, WT 10/9; PR 10/10)

In Gaza, Hamas's Shaykh Yasin meets with Arafat; says that suicide bombings could be abandoned under certain conditions, but full truce would require full Israeli withdrawal fr. West Bank and Gaza, removal of settlements; stresses that Hamas is not challenging PA authority. (CSM, NYT 10/8)

In Beirut, Iraq, Lebanon hold talks on expanding trade, economic ties. (RL 10/7 in WNC 10/8)

In response to U.S. dipatch of an aircraft carrier to the Gulf 10/3, Iran announces that 10-day naval exercises involving more than 50 ships will begin 10/11. (NYT, WT 10/8; NYT, WP, WT 10/13; WT 10/14)

In Ramallah, the PC votes (56-1) to urge Arafat to dissolve the EA within 1 mo., appoint a new cabinet. After the session, Israel prevents 18 PC mbrs. fr. returning to their homes in Gaza. (CSM, WP, WT 8/1; LAW 8/7; PR 8/8)

With less than 24-hrs. notice, Syrian Pres. Asad travels to Iran as head of a delegation comprising his VP, FM, several senior military cmdrs.; discusses Syrian-Iranian relations with outgoing Pres. Rafsanjani. (MM 7/31; RMC 7/31 in WNC 8/1; MM 8/1; SATN 7/31, IRIB Television [Tehran] 8/1 in WNC 8/4; MA 8/3 in WNC 8/5; MEI 8/8)

Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan, FM Tarawnah meet with EU special envoy Moratinos. (RJ 7/31 in WNC 8/1)

Following a mtg. with his inner cabinet, PM Netanyahu threatens to send commandos into PA areas to preempt any new anti-Israeli attacks, to halt transfer of all tax revenues to the PA, to jam all Palestinian radio and television broadcasts; calls on the U.S., international donors to halt aid to the PA. (MM 7/31; RMC 7/31 in WNC 8/1; CSM, WP, WT 8/1)

IDF detains 2 Palestinian families fr. the West Bank town of Dahariyya whose sons have been missing for over a yr., but they are unable to identify the 7/30 bombers' bodies. Israeli cabinet orders the arrest of PA's Gaza police cmdr. Brig. Gen. Jabali for encouraging attacks on Israeli settlements (see 7/23). PA police arrest 28 Hamas mbrs., including Rantisi. PA, Israeli security forces hold 2 mtgs. during the day. (MM 7/31; IDF Radio, QY, RMC 7/31 in WNC 8/1; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 8/1)

New York City police seize 5 pipe bombs, arrest 1 Egyptian, 2 Jordanians in a raid on a Brooklyn apartment. Police were tipped to the bombs by a Pakistani, Muhammad Shindli, who believed that his friends, Ghazi Ibrahim Abu Mayzar and Lafi Khalil (who both identify themselves as Palestinian), were planning to bomb the New York subway. Abu Mayzar had stated in his application for asylum in the U.S. that he had been arrested in Israel on charges of "being a mbr. of a terrorist organization." The 3d man, Egyptian `Abd al-Rahman Musabah, is detained as a witness. Hamas denies any connection to the men. (NYT, WP, WT 8/1; RJ 8/1 in WNC 8/4; NYT, WP 8/2; AFP 8/2 in WNC 8/5; NYT, WT 8/3; al-Hadath [Amman] 8/4 in WNC 8/5; NYT 8/5; WJW 8/7; MEI 8/8)

Unnamed Gulf diplomats reveal that Sidi al-Madani al-Ghazi Mustafa al-Tayyib, financial director for Saudi dissident and alleged "terrorist financier" Osama bin Laden, has been in custody in Saudi Arabia since 5/97. Saudi authorities have passed some of Tayyib's revealed information to the CIA, FBI to track militant groups in Detroit, New York. (WT 8/1)

Lebanese court sentences 5 Japanese Red Army mbrs. to 3 yrs. in jail on charges of forging official stamps, illegal entry into Lebanon, forging passports. (VOL 7/31 in WNC 8/1; CSM, WP 8/1) (see 7/29)

Arafat calls on Pres. Clinton, other countries to intervene to save the peace process in light of Israel's "malicious" settlement of Jerusalem, the West Bank. (WT 5/4)

2d strategic dialogue btwn. Israel, Turkey opens in Israel, will last until 5/6. Delegations discuss deepening defense, military relations. (IGPO 5/4 in WNC 5/6; MM 5/6; VIRI 5/6, RMC 5/7 in WNC 5/8; Milliyet [Istanbul] 5/7 in WNC 5/13; MM 5/8; MEI 5/16)

In Amman, Jordan, Iran open talks on expanding, advancing trade relations. (JT 5/4 in WNC 5/6)

The UNGA passes (134-3, with 11 abstentions) a resolution condemning Israeli settlement construction. (NYT, WT 4/26; ITV 4/26, SANA 4/27 in WNC 4/29; MM 4/28, 4/29; MEI 5/2)

In New York, Hamas political leader Abu Marzuq signs an agmt. that he will not contest the terrorism charges against him, will give up his residency status; in return, the U.S. will drop exclusion proceedings, release him to Jordan, which has agreed to grant him asylum. (AFP, RJ 4/30 in WNC 5/1; NYT, WP 5/1; NYT 5/2; WP 5/9) (see 4/22)

Israeli police find bodies of 2 Israeli women in a West Bank nature reserve nr. Jerusalem, suspect Palestinian assailants, but offer no proof. (WP 4/26; MM 4/28; WJW 5/1; JP 5/10)

Israeli court extends by 10 days the remand of businessman Manbar while it considers whether to charge him with selling arms to Iran. (ITV 4/25 in WNC 4/28) (see 3/27)

For 3d time, Iraq violates the U.S. no-fly zone to ferry pilgrims fr. Saudi Arabia to Iraq. (WP 4/26; CSM, MEI 5/2) (see 4/23)

In Miami, Palestinian refugee fr. Lebanon who hijacked an Iberian plane fr. Madrid to Miami on 7/26/96 is found guilty of federal air piracy charges, will be sentenced 8/11/97. (WT 4/26) (see also 7/30/96)

2 IDF soldiers are wounded by mortar fire nr. the Israeli, s. Lebanon border. IDF claims soldiers were hit while in Israeli territory; Lebanon, SLA claim soldiers were in s. Lebanon. (MM 4/25; RL 4/26 in WNC 4/29)

Labor, Meretz parties file lawsuits with the Israeli High Court appealing the atty. gen. decision not to indict PM Netanyahu, Justice M Hanegbi. Hearings will be held in 5/97. (MM 4/21; WP 4/22; MM 4/23) (see 4/19)

Israel seals the West Bank, Gaza, barring Palestinians fr. entering Israel during the 8-day Passover holiday. (WT 4/22; CSM 4/25)

In a prerelease of a joint paper for Foreign Affairs, fmr. National Security Advisers Zbigniew Brzezinski, Brent Scowcroft conclude that U.S. dual containment policy "lacks strategic viability and carries a high financial and diplomatic cost," sanctions have been ineffectual; suggest the U.S. offer Iran, Iraq incentives to alter their behavior instead of just punishing them. (MM 4/21)

Following Germany's 4/10 ruling, U.S. announces decision to encourage its EU allies to impose sanctions on Iran; sends mission to France, Germany, Holland, UK. (NYT, WT 4/22; CSM 4/25)

Iraq again defies the southern U.S. no-fly zone by sending 9 helicopters to fly home pilgrims returning from Mecca. U.S. says it will tolerate the flights. (MM, WT 4/22; NYT, WP 4/23; MEI 5/2) (see 4/9)