The Palestine Chronology

Arab League ministerial meeting opens in Cairo; in unopposed election, Arab League chooses Egyptian F.M. Esmat Abdel Meguid as its Sec.-Gen. for the next 5 years [MEM 5/15; WP, NYT 5/16; CDS, RMC, MENA 5/15 in FBIS 5/16].

Meeting in Israel, Sec. Baker and P.M. Shamir draw up confidential document that acknowledges the obstacles to holding regional peace conference, but points toward fresh attempt to start Israeli-Palestinian talks [WP, LAT 5/16]. But Israel rejects Sec. Baker's proposals for bridging differences with Syria [MEM 5/15; NYT 5/16].

U.S. diplomatic and intelligence sources say that roughly 10 days ago, Israel told American military attaches in Tel Aviv that Israeli military action in southern Lebanon was possible; warning is seen as message to Lebanon and Syria not to take action against Israel-backed SLA [WP 5/16].

34-member team of international specialists arrive in Baghdad for week of on-site inspections of Iraq's nuclear facilities to ensure compliance with UN resolutions prohibiting Iraqi possession of weapons of mass destruction [MEM 5/15; WP, NYT, LAT 5/16].

Palestinians who met with Sec. Baker say that he told them American initiative did not envision eventual creation of Palestinian state: "Less than a state, more than autonomy," is how one participant put it [NYT, MEM 5/16].

On conclusion of 5-day meeting in Tunis Fateh Revolutionary Council calls for meeting of Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and PLO to coordinate stands on Middle East issues [MENA 5/15, DUS 5/16 in FBIS 5/16].

In interview with Washington Post, Iraqi Deputy P.M. Tariq Aziz concedes that Saddam's regime has made "mistakes" because it has been in power so long, but adds that Baghdad is committed to move towards democracy [WP 5/8].

UN special envoy reports that Iraqi Kurds are returning home from border camps faster than expected - more than 4,000 a day - indicating that allied effort to establish security zone is working [WP 5/8].

Iraqi gov't. officials and Kurdish opposition begin new round of talks to hammer out details of agreement that would give Kurds autonomy [NYT 5/8; INA 5/7 in FBIS 5/8].

Housing Min. Ariel Sharon presents plan to MKs for additional Jewish housing in Jerusalem, Sharon wishes to establish contiguous territorial and demographic strip between Jerusalem and nearby settlements, according to Israeli media [JNT 5/7, YA 5/8 in FBIS 5/8]

64-year-old French tourist is stabbed to death outside restaurant in Bethlehem by unknown assailant. Mayor Elias Freij denounces incident [MEM 4/30; NYT, WP, LAT 5/1; IDF 4/30 in FBIS 4/30].

Despite intensive bombing of Iraq's military sites, Baghdad still has enough weaponsgrade uranium to make 1 nuclear bomb, according to U.S. admin. officials and scientists [NYT 5/1].

State Dep't. reports international terrorism dropped by nearly 15% in 1990; adds that more terrorist attacks occurred in Latin America (162) and Asia (96) than in Middle East (63) [WP, LAT 5/1].

Egyptian media report PLO has not been invited to Socialist International meeting in Cairo because of its pro-Iraq Gulf war stand. A delegation from Israel's leftwing Mapam parry will attend [MEM 4/30].

Israeli Housing Ministry plans the construction of 24,000 more houses in o.t. to accommodate 88,000 Jewish settlers, according to media reports [MEM 5/1]. 

After 3 days of talks in Damascus, presidents of Syria and Iran agree to allow armed Iranian-backed forces to remain in southern Lebanon near Israel's "security zone"; Lebanese Forces militia announces it is surrendering its weapons to Lebanese Army [MEM 4/29; NYT, MEM 4/30; DDS 4/29 in FBIS 4/30]. Joint Syrian-Iranian declaration stresses that Iran must play a role in Middle East security arrangements [MEM 4/30].

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says that Iraq has given detailed response to requests for more information about location of its nuclear materials [NYT 4/30; AFP 4/30 in FBIS 5/1]; but will not disclose whereabouts of materials that escaped allied bombing unless Baghdad is assured materials will not be destroyed [WP 5/1].

American section of World Jewish Congress calls for commutation of Jonathan Jay Pollard's life sentence for spying for Israel [WP 4/30].

Pres. Bush says U.S. will resist Iraq's UN request to have economic sanctions lifted so that Baghdad can begin selling oil for badly needed currency; Bush says exception would be made for food imports [WP 4/30].

Media report that Egypt is quietly repatriating most of its nearly 40,000 troops who were deployed in Gulf war (cf. 5/8) [AFP 4/30 in FBIS 4/30].

UNLU issues unnumbered leaflet blaming Israeli gov't. for purposely "striking at the tourist sector in Jerusalem and spreading biased propaganda regarding alleged risks to tourists" [MEM 5/1].

Having to leave Jerusalem abruptly because of his mother's death, Sec. Baker does not have chance to meet with Palestinians, but does meet with P.M. Shamir, F.M. Levy; Baker says in news conference before departing that Israel had failed to give responses he needed to continue trying to put together peace conference, and that he and Pres. Bush will have to reevaluate diplomatic steps [MEM 4/26; NYT, LAT 4/27; IDF, JDS 4/26 in FBIS 4/26; MET 5/7].

UN Sec.-Gen. Javier Perez de Cuellar announces that UN relief teams will take over Kurdish refugee camps in northern Iraq from American troops "as soon as possible" [LAT 4/27; MET 5/7].

Baghdad says it will disband its millionman militia, the Popular Army, and will let citizens travel abroad [NYT 4/27; INA 4/26 in FBIS 4/29].

Yasir Arafat, George Habash, and Nayif Hawatimah arrive in Khartoum to take part in Islamic Arab People's Conference [RMC 4/26 in FBIS 5/1]. 

Sec. Baker arrives in Kuwait City and presses Kuwaiti gov't. for greater democracy and more respect for human rights [WP, LAT, MEM 4/23; MET 4/30].

GCC committee for finance and economic cooperation opens meetings in Riyadh; ministers set up multi-billion dollar development fund [MEM 4/22, 4/23; SPA 4/22 in FBIS 4/23].

In Baghdad, autonomy talks between Kurdish leaders and Iraqi gov't. enter 3d day [NYT 4/23]; exiled Iraqi Shiite leaders denounce Baghdad talks [LAT 4/23].

Kurdish leaders again call for more international aid, ask that refugee camps be enlarged [WP 4/23].

IDF lifts ban on journalists freely entering o.t. that was imposed 1/17 at stalt of Gulf war, according to Israeli Defense Ministry [MEM 4/22].

Report by opposition members of Knesset, including Dedi Zucker, says Shamir gov't. is enticing Jews to o.t. with large, low-cost mortgages; settlers receive 50% more aid than other Israelis, report states [MEM 4/23].

Kuwait gov't. announces that registration of all non-Kuwaiti residents has begun. Expatriates are told they risk 6 months in prison if they do not bring papers to Interior Ministry for vetting [MEM 4/23].

Meeting with Israeli leaders, Sec. Baker says Israel should consider series of fundamental compromises with Arabs if there is to be a peace conference; Baker gives P.M. Shamir list of possible concessions [NYT, LAT 4/20; IDF 4/19 in FBIS 4/19; MET 4/30].

Palestinian leaders hold news conference in Ramallah on questions of who will participate in talks with Sec. Baker [JTN 4/19 in FBIS 4/22].

Iraq makes public contents of 4/18 report given to UN: Baghdad says substantial arsenal of its chemical and ballistic weapons survived Gulf war, including 11,131 chemical warheads; Iraq also denies having nuclear arms, nuclear weapons-grade materials, or biological arns; U.S. says Iraq's inventory is incorrect [NYT, LAT 4/20; MET 4/30].

Blockade imposed on o.t. because of Sec. Baker's visit to Israel is lifted, allowing Palestinians to return to jobs over green line [JDS 4/19 in FBIS 4/19].

Lebanese media publishes results of public opinion poll conducted by Jerusalem's Arab Research Center: 55.34% of Palestinians now support confederation with Jordan, as opposed to 9.82% before Gulf war; 45.62% predict that PLO candidates would win majority of votes if elections were held in o.t. [MEM 4/19]. 

Pres. Bush says that U.S., British, and French troops will set up secure camps in northern Iraq that could shelter more than 500,000 Kurds until they could be coaxed back to their homes [NYT, WP, LAT 4/17].

Inspectors from International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) negotiate with Baghdad for permission to visit rubble of Iraq's 2 nuclear research reactors to see if country's supply of weapons-grade uranium is still intact, and if it is, to destroy it or remove it [WP 4/17].

P.M. Shamir meets with Soviet P.M. in London; Shamir says that diplomatic relations between the 2 countries would have to be established before Moscow could have a role at Middle East peace conference [WP 4/17].

U.S. calls new Jewish settlement of Revava "an obstacle" and questions Israel's timing, with Sec. Baker due to arrive on 4/18 [NYT, WP, LAT, MEM 4/17; MET 4/30].

Israeli navy shells boat carrying 8 Palestinians, allegedly en route to Israel. All are killed [RFL 4/17 in FBIS 4/17].

Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics reports Israel's population has reached 4.9 million [IDS 4/16 in FBIS 4/19]. 

Iraq does not formally respond to 4/3 UN Sec. Council cease-fire resolution, but Baghdad's newspapers roundly condemn it, calling it an American plan to control the world [MEM 4/4; NYT 4/5].

Japanese P.M. Kaifu meets in California with Pres. Bush, later complains that his country's Gulf war efforts 'have not been fully understood or appreciated" in the U.S. [WP 4/5].

Returning from Middle East, and acknowledging deep mutual distrust between Israelis and Arabs, Sec. Baker says both sides must move simultaneously to adopt "confidence-building measures" because neither side can be expected to make the initial concession [LAT, WT 3/18; CSM 3/19].

Tel Aviv district court sentences cashiered soldier Ami Popper to 7 consecutive life sentences plus 20 years in prison for the shooting deaths of 7 Palestinians in Rishon le Zion last May [NYT, LAT, WP 3/18; JDS 3/17 in FBIS 3/19; MET 3/26; JPD 3/30].

Palestinian workers are allowed to return to Jerusalem for 1st time since recent stabbings; workers are also allowed back to Tel Aviv and Haifa for 1st time since 17 January [NYT, LAT, CSM 3/18; JDS 3/17 in FBIS 3/18; MET 3/26]; general strike is observed in o.t. to mark beginning of Gulf war [FJ 3/25].

U.S. and international human rights officials say bodies of 20 to 30 people have been found tortured or shot, and many more are presumedead in what appear to be reprisal killings by Kuwaiti military against suspected pro-Iraqi collaborators [LAT 3/18].

Moving to mollify vocal democracy movement, Kuwaiti gov't. announces it will hold elections for new parliament within 6 months to a year [WP, WT, CSM 3/18; MET 3/26].

Insurgents in Iraq report fierce fighting between rebels and Iraqi troops in many parts of the country [NYT, WT 3/18]; Baghdad's daily newspapers carry accounts of widespread death and destruction in southern Iraq and say rebellion there has been crushed [WP 3/18].

Speaking at AIPAC conference, Israeli Health Min. Ehud Olmert says Israel is willing to begin peace negotiations with all Arab states and to discuss future of o.t. and Golan, but only with Arab delegation that excludes PLO (cf. 3/18) [WP 3/18; JDS 3/17 in FBIS 3/18; CSM 3/19].

Iraqi insurgents reportedly capture strategic Turkish-Iraqi border town of Zakho; Baghdad accuses some Iraqi journals of "transmitting lies" about the rebellion [LAT 3/16; MET 3/26].

Pentagon announces that 6 U.S. soldiers have died in helicopter crash in Iraq; 3 other soldiers are reported killed in accidents, bringing to 324 the total number of U.S. deaths since 2 August [NYT, LAT 3/16].

U.S. says investigation into allegations that Jordan smuggled arms or ammunition to Iraq during war has turned up no evidence to support the claim [NYT 3/16].

Israeli warplanes destroy 2 buildings serving as bases for Popular Struggle Front in eastern Lebanon; 7 injured in 5th Israeli raid this year in Lebanon [NYT 3/16; IDF, AFP 3/15 in FBIS 3/15; MET 3/26].

Sec. Baker holds 7-hour meeting with Pres. Asad in Damascus; American officials decline to comment on contents [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 3/14; CSM 3/15; MET 3/26].

Palestinian human rights workers and community leaders say more than 100 Palestinians have disappeared in the 2 weeks since allied forces recovered Kuwait; PLO says over 3,500 Palestinians have been detained at checkpoints. Bush admin. says this is "a big concern" [LAT, NYT, WT 3/14].

Taking 1st clear step to aid Iraqi insurgents, Pres. Bush accuses Iraq of violating cease-fire by using helicopter gunships against rebels; Bush warns Saddam Hussein against further use [NYT, LAT, WT 3/14; CSM 3/15].

Bush also warns Iran not to seize any Iraqi territory during rebellion [WP 3/14].

Demonstrators in Mosul, Iraq storm 2 prisons and release 4,000 political prisoners, according to Kurdish leaders. Clashes between loyalists and rebels are reported in Baghdad. Three-day Beirut conference of Iraqi opposition leaders ends with an appeal to Iraqi loyalists to help topple Saddam [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 3/14; KUNA, SANA, INRA 3/13 in FBIS 3/14].

Japan transfers equivalent of $8.6 billion to its Gulf Peace Fund, fulfilling its pledge of aid for allied forces, according to gov't. spokesperson. No mention is made of the fact that Japan had promised $9 billion [LAT 3/14].

Bassam Abu Sharif, advisor to Arafat, gives interview to Sky Television in which he suggests borders of Palestinian state are negotiable, offers other "concessions" (cf. 3/18) [AVP, BBC 3/13 in FBIS 3/14].

P.M. Shamir asks Aliyah Committee Chairman Ariel Sharon to withdraw his letter of resignation; Sharon complies [JDS 3/13 in FBIS 3/14].

Algerian National Television Service broadcasts 24-hour telethon to raise money for and express solidarity with people of Iraq [APS 3/14 in FBIS 3/14].

In Jerusalem, Sec. Baker holds separate meetings with P.M. Shamir and group of 10 Palestinian leaders, led by Faisal Husseini, who hands him memo. Baker reportedly probes each side for points on which each might be flexible; reiterates "land for peace" formula to a noncommittal Shamir (cf. 3/13) [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 3/13; IDF, JDS 3/12, JPD, DAV 3/13 in FBIS 3/13; CSM 3/14; FJ 3/18; MET 3/26].

Kuwait military continues to transport hundreds of Palestinians, Jordanians, N.Africans, and Iraqis-arrested since liberation of Kuwait-to border with Iraq; several people claim to have been tortured and beaten by Kuwait military [LAT, WP 3/13].

Kurdish insurgents in northern Iraq claim further territorial gains and accuse Baghdad of taking 5,000 Kurdish women and children as hostages [LAT, WP, CSM 3/13].

Syria announces it has freed all Palestinians held in its jails. Beirut radio says 302 prisoners were released; PLO reports more than 4,000 Palestinians in Syrian jails (cf. 3/13) [LAT, WP 3/13; BVL 3/12 in FBIS 3/18; MET 3/26].

North Korea has delivered to Syria about 24 SCUD missiles along with mobile launchers, according to U.S. officials [WT 3/13].

World Health Organization reports Baghdad's water supplies are at 5% of prewar levels; Iraqi Red Crescent says cholera and typhoid cases are beginning to appear [LAT 3/13].

King Hussein says that Jordan will never agree to be a substitute for PLO in peace talks with Israel, but if Palestinian leadership asked Jordan to join talks, it would do so [NYT 3/13].

Kuwaiti gov't. officials say joint U.S.-British air base will be built on Kuwait's Bubiyan Island as part of postwar security arrangements [WT 3/13].

Baghdad releases 2 U.S. POWs, 40 journalists, and hundreds of Kuwaiti POWs, as well as 1,181 who had been abducted by Iraqi troops. More than 6,300 American soldiers arrive in U.S. during 1st full day of nonstop homecomings [LAT, NYT 3/9].

During 2 1/2-hour meeting in Riyadh, Sec. Baker outlines to King Fahd 4 U.S. policy goals announced by Pres. Bush on 3/6. King agrees to take active role in support of U.S., but offers no specific commitments [NYT, LAT 3/9; RIDS 3/8 in FBIS 3/11; MET 3/19].

Iranian Pres. Rafsanjani expresses sympathy for rebels trying to overthrow Saddam Hussein; calls for Saddam to surrender "to the will of the people" [LAT, NYT 3/9].

In interview with journalists from Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, Pres. Bush says PLO has "lost credibility" after siding with Iraq; Bush dismisses chances for U.S.-PLO talks any time soon [WP 3/10].

EC "troika" ministers meet with King Hussein to discuss Middle East peace proposals [ADS 3/8 in FBIS 3/8].

U.S. military officials increase count of Americans killed in action to 89; allied command declines to estimate number of Iraqi dead, but count has begun as allied troops begin buIying Iraq's dead in mass graves [LAT 3/2].

Allies set up checkpoints along highways from Kuwait City to Basra to catch fleeing Iraqis suspected of committing atrocities against Kuwaiti citizens during the occupation [LAT 3/2].

Meeting between allied and Iraqi military commanders to discuss cease-fire and prisoner exchange, scheduled for today, is delayed 24 hours at Iraq's request [NYT, LAT, WP 3/2].

U.S. ambassador to Kuwait Edward Gnehm officially reopens embassy in Kuwait City [NYT 3/2].

F.M. Aziz demands in broadcast on Baghdad radio that all allied troops leave Iraq immediately [BADS 3/1 in FBIS 3/1; LAT, WP 3/2; MET 3/12].

In nationwide address, King Hussein congratulates Kuwaitis, expresses sympathy for Iraqis, urges postwar Arab unity and forgiveness, and calls for movement on Palestine question [MEM 3/1; NYT, LAT 3/2].

After 5-day survey around Baghdad, UNICEF and WHO officials warn that millions of lives are at stake unless water, food supplies, and medical services are restored soon. UN Sec.-Gen. Perez de Cuellar says he will send representative to Gulf to determine what role UN can take in supplying humanitarian aid [LAT 3/2].

Gannett news poll finds 91% approval rating for Pres. Bush; French poll gives Bush 76% approval rating among Frenchmen, only 4 points lower than Pres. Mitterrand; Bush's popularity surges in other European countries, notably Germany and Belgium [LAT 3/2].

Kuwait changes its passports and national currency aftereports of forgery by Iraqis; car license plates are also changed [LAT 3/2].

Iraqi SCUD missile hits American barracks outside Dhahran, killing at least 12 U.S. soldiers, wounding at least 25, and leaving 40 unaccounted for (cf. 2/26) [NYT, LAT, WP, WT, MEM 2/26; MET 3/5]; SCUD missiles land in southern Israel; no damage or casualties [IDF 2/25 in FBIS 2/25; MET 3/5].

Baghdad radio announces Iraq's armed forces have been ordered to make an orderly withdrawal from Kuwait in accordance with UN resolution 660; Iraqi tanks and trucks are reported heading north from Kuwait. White House dismisses broadcast, saying there has been no authoritative communication from Baghdad and that to end war Iraq must accept all 12 UN resolutions concerming Gulf crisis [BADS 2/25 in FBIS 2/26; NYT, LAT, WP, WT 2/26; MET 3/5].

Pres. of UN Sec. Council calls on Iraq to officially inform him of its willingness to leave Kuwait so that Sec. Council could convene to discuss cease-fire [NYT 2/26].

Iraqi resistance to quickly advancing allied ground troops toughens slightly, but American command reports "tremendous success" all across the front, that allied forces control more than 50% of Kuwait; Saudi and Kuwait forces, backed by U.S. Marines prepare for assault on Kuwait City. Iraqi troops continue to surrender en masse, with POW total now about 20,000-25,000 [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 2/26].

P.M. Shamir is quoted in French newspaper as saying that Pres. Asad is Israel's "real enemy" [LAT 2/26].

French For. Ministry announces Kuwait will pay to France $1 billion, or about 40% of French expenditures in Gulf conflict [LAT 2/26].

Emotional address from Saddam Hussein urges Iraqi troops facing allied attack to "fight them and show no mercy"; Baghdad radio later reports that "the enemy attack has failed utterly" [BADS 2/24 in FBIS 2/25; NYT, LAT, WP, WT 2/25].

Egyptian and Syrian ground forces move several miles into southwestern Kuwait; high profile given to allied Arab forces reflects calculated coalition effort to dispel "West vs. Muslims" notion of war [NYT, LAT, WP 2/25; CSM 2/26].

Soviet Union expresses regret that allies yielded to their "instinct" to use military force rather than accept Soviet-brokered peace plan [LAT, WP 2/25].

PLO and Jordan sharply condemn U.S.- led ground offensive [LAT, WT 2/25].

"Hundreds of thousands" of Yemenis demonstrate against allied ground offensive [AFP, AES 2/24 in FBIS 2/25]; Cairo police use tear gas to disperse about 2,000 anti-war demonstrators [WP 2/25].

Def. Sec. Cheney says that allied Arab nations should take the lead in devising postwar security arrangements in the region [WP 2/25].

Jordanian P.M. Mudar Badran says the Gulf crisis has thus far cost Jordan at least $8 billion, double the value of its annual domestic economic output [MET 3/5].

Israeli OC Central Command closes 2 offices of Arab Studies Society on suspicion of serving PLO purposes [MEM 2/25]

Pres. Bush gives Saddam Hussein "until noon Saturday [2/23] to ... begin his immediate and unconditional withdrawal" or face huge ground attack; Bush gives Iraq 7 days to complete withdrawal. Baghdad calls demand "disgraceful" [BADS 2/22 in FBIS 2/25; MEM 2/22; NYT, LAT 2/23].

Soviet Union and Iraqi F.M. Aziz radio Saddam Hussein with proposals for new Iraqi concessions in effort to forge settlement before Pres. Bush's deadline [NYT, LAT 2/23].

King Hussein endorses Soviet peace plan at news conference in Amman; Arafat offers positive but guarded response; 9-country Western European Group gives full backing to Pres. Bush's ultimatum, as does majority of Congress [JTE, AVP 2/23 in FBIS 2/25; ADS 2/22 in FBIS 2/27; NYT 2/23].

Allied fighter-bombers attack Iraqi troops in Kuwait, flying record number of sorties despite heavy black smoke from oil well fires that cover almost 1/4 of Kuwait [WAKH, IRNA 2/23 in FBIS 2/25; NYT, LAT 2/23].

U.S. announces that about 51,000 refugees who fled upheavals in Kuwait, Lebanon, and Liberia will be allowed to remain in U.S. for at least another year [NYT 2/26].

Israeli ambassador to U.S., Zalman Shoval, submits to State Dep't. Israeli gov't.'s formal request for $1 billion in emergency military assistance to cover outlays stemming from Gulf war [JPD 2/25 in FBIS 2/26; MEM 2/25].

For 1st time in 20 years, DFLP holds public rally in Amman to celebrate its 22d anniversary. Reports say about 20,000 people attend [JTE 2/23 in FBIS 2/28].

UNLU issues 2d addendum to call no. 67; 2d is more moderate than 1st, indicating tactical differences within UNLU leadership over PLO Gulf war policy [JPD 2/26 in FBIS 2/28].

After midnight meeting with F.M. Aziz in Moscow, Soviet leaders announce Baghdad has given "positive" response to Soviet peace plan; U.S. delays formal response until consultation with allies [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 2/22].

Saddam Hussein delivers speech over Baghdad radio reaffirming Iraq's 2/15 proposal; says Iraq is ready for all-out war unless proposal is accepted [BADS 2/21 in FBIS 2/21; NYT, LAT, WP, MEM 2/22; MET 3/5].

U.S. Def. Sec. Dick Cheney says allied forces are braced for "one of the largest land assaults of modem times" as U.S.-Iraq clashes grow larger and more intense; U.S. command says allies have reached level of destruction specified by senior generals as minimum needed before ground offensive can begin [NYT 2/22].

SCUD missiles are fired at Saudi Arabia in 2 rare daylight attacks; Patriot missile intercept all; 9 American soldiers are killed in 2 helicopter crashes in Saudi Arabia [LAT, MEM 2/22; MET 3/5].

Kuwaiti gov't-in-exile contracts U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to help restore Kuwait's damaged water, power, and transportation systems after war. Contract runs for 90 days, valued at $45 million [LAT 2/22].

Saudi ambassador to U.S., Prince Bandar bin Sultan, warns that Yasir Arafat, King Hussein, and Pres. Saleh of Yemen will be made to pay dearly for supporting Iraq, signalling sharp break from Saudi prewar policy of trying to forge Arab consensus (cf. 2/26) [LAT 2/22].

Hours after long-disputed $400 million loan guarantees to Israel is approved, Israeli officials claim the amount is grossly insufficient; Immigration Min. Yitzhak Peretz says "In fact, it's a very small sum that only accounts for 3 or 4 percent of the overall figure" needed [NYT 2/22].

Amnesty International accuses members of allies of using war as pretext for human rights violations, citing Britain, Egypt, and U.S. for war-related abuses [MEM 2/21; LAT 2/22].

At Labor party bureau meeting MK Moshe Shahal expresses, for 1st time in public, support for creation of Palestinian state [IDF 2/21 in FBIS 2/22; MEM 2/22; JPI 3/2].

Pres. Bush says 2/18 Soviet proposal for Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait "falls well short of what would be required" to end war with Iraq [NYT, LAT, WP, WT, CSM 2/20].

F.M. Aziz meets in Tehran with Iranian Pres. Rafsanjani; Baghdad gives no formal response to Soviet plan but reiterates 2/15 proposal. Iranian F.M. Velayati says he believes Iraq is "ready to withdraw from Kuwait unconditionally" [NYT, WP 2/20].

UN Sec. Council authorizes Red Cross to make emergency deliveries of water purification equipment to Iraq [NYT 2/20].

Allied planes attack targets in Iraq and Kuwait; single SCUD missile is launched at Israel, no casualties; U.S. A-10 plane is lost in combat, bringing American total to 22, and allied total to 31; U.S. military official says that Iraqi troops in Kuwait and southern Iraq are suffering "horrendous' casualties [JAA, JDS 2/19 in FBIS 2/20; NYT, LAT, WP 2/20; MET 3/5].

In separate forums, Soviet F.M. Bessmertnykh, envoy Primakov, and spokesman Ignatenko argue against beginning ground offensive against Iraq, saying its effect would only be enormous suffering and destruction; they add that Soviet proposal makes ground war unnecessary [NYT, WP 2/20].

U.S. commander Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf says Iraqi military machine is on verge of collapse, losing about 2 battalions of tanks a day to allied air strikes [LAT, WP 2/20].

Pope John Paul II summons bishops from countries involved in Gulf war, including U.S. and Iraq, to unprecedented peace-seeking conference from 3-4 March at the Vatican [MEM 2/19; LAT 2/20].

Moving to contain diplomatic fallout from its support for Iraq, PLO says it accepts the "spirit" of UN Sec. Council resolution 660; PLO also renews its call for talks with Israel [AFP 2/19 in FBIS 2/19].

In Luxembourg, EC "troika" foreign ministers decide to avoid talks with Yasir Arafat in their planned series of Middle East trips (cf. 2/21) [MEM 2/20].

U.S. State Dep't. reiterates its criticism of Israel's policy of administrative detention in light of Taher Shritch case [NYT, MEM 2/201

Pres. Gorbachev presents F.M. Aziz another formula for Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait; details of proposal not announced. Aziz heads back to Baghdad via Iran. Bush admin. indicates there is nothing in Soviet proposal that would delay or halt planned ground attack (cf. 2/19) [MEM 2/18; NYT, LAT, WP, WT, CSM 2/19].

Allies continue "battlefield preparation" for ground war with more than 2,400 sorties flown; F-16 Falcon crashes in combat, pilot is recovered; it is 21st U.S. plane lost in combat, 9 additional allied crafts have been lost [NYT, LAT 2/19].

Border skirmishes continue between U.S. forces and Iraqi troops; no casualties are reported; to date 14 Americans have been killed in combat, 10 by friendly fire [NYT, LAT, WT 2/19].

Hearing is held in Gaza military court for Palestinian journalist Taher Shriteh, in jail for 3 weeks without formal charge; court extends detention for 2 more weeks (cf. 2/19) [NYT, LAT, WT, MEM 2/19].

Lebanese Pres. Elias Hrawi says he plans to press Israel to withdraw from "security zone" in S. Lebanon; Israeli spokesman says Israel will not comply [NYT 2/19].

Red Cross president says blanket curfew in effect in o.t. since 1/17 has created serious problems for Palestinians; adds that Red Cross is in contact with Israeli authorities to try to alleviate harsh conditions [JTE 2/18 in FBIS 2/191.

Arab members of coalition end 2-day meeting in Cairo, find Baghdad's conditions for Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait unacceptable, call on Saddam to leave "without conditions or strings" [MENA 2/16 in FBIS 2/19; NYT 2/17]; countries also propose economic and defense arrangements to improve Middle East postwar security [WP 2/17], and reaffirm support for Palestinian state, without mention of PLO [MEM 2/18].

Soviet Union concludes conditions set by Baghdad for Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait would render its 2/15 proposal meaningless [NYT, WP 2/17].

2 U.S. A-10 fighter-bombers are short down over Kuwait: Iraq says 130 civilians killed on 2/14 when British bombs hit marketplace in Falluja [AFP 2/16 in FBIS 2/19; NYT 2/17]. Iraq launches 2 SCUD missiles at southern Israel; no damage [JAA 2/16 in FBIS 2/19; NYT, MEM 2/18].

Likud supporters criticize MKs Dedi Zucker and Chaim Oron for their 2/13 report on settlement construction (see JPS 79), saying report led U.S. admin. to delay granting $400 million in housing loan guarantees [IDF 2/16 in FBIS 2/19].

As Israeli authorities continue selectively to release Palestinian workers from war-induced curfew, many Palestinians are finding Soviet Jewish immigrants have taken over their jobs, according to New York Times [NYT 2/17].

PLO revolutionary courts condemn to death, then execute, 20 Fateh members who had rebelled againstheir commander earlier in the week [NYT 2/17].

Yasir Arafat arrives in Amman from Iraq to meet King Hussein [NYT 2/17]. 

Iraq says it will abide by UN resolution calling for Iraq's withdrawal from Kuwait but only if allies meet conditions including: withdraw of allied forces, withdrawal of Israel from o.t., payment of war reparations to Iraq, and removal of Sabah family from power in Kuwait. In Baghdad, civilians celebrate what they believe is end of war; Pres. Bush rejects offer as "a cruel hoax" [BADS 2/15 in FBIS 2/15; MEM 2/15; LAT, NYT, WP 2/16].

About 30,000 Algerians hold pro-Iraq march in Algiers; demonstrators attack UN office and offices of Italy's and Egypt's airlines [LAT 2/16; MEM 2/18].

Pres. Gorbachev sends letter to Pres. Bush, Pres. Mitterrand, P.M. Major, asking allies to hold off on ground offensive until talks scheduled early next week in Moscow with F.M. Aziz are completed [NYT, WT, WP 2/16].

In unusually blunt statement, White House criticizes Israeli ambassador Zalman Shoval for making public comments about U.S. economic aid to Israel. Shoval complained on 2/14 that U.S. had not moved forward on $400 million in loan guarantees and that Israel "had not received one cent in aid" from allies to compensate for missile damage." U.S. says comments are "outrageous and outside the bounds of acceptable behavior" [NYT, WP 2/16]. Fateh troops loyal to Yasir Arafat split into 2 rival camps in S. Lebanon and fight fierce battle leaving as many as 28 dead, and 42 injured [LAT, NYT, WP 2/16; MEM 2/18].

Iraq vows "severe revenge" for 2/13 bombing of what Baghdad calls residential shelter; places death toll at about 400; demonstrators throw red paint on abandoned U.S. embassy in Baghdad; "outrage" over bombing is reported in Jordan, other Arab nations that back Saddam [AVP, APS 2/14, DUS 2/15 in FBIS 2/15; MEM 2/14; LAT, NYT, WP, WT 2/15].

U.S. reports significant gains in destroying Iraqi tanks and combat vehicles, saying more than 1,300 tanks have been destroyed; carrier USS America moves into Gulf in preparation for possible Marine amphibious landing [LAT, NYT, WP, WT 2/15].

UN Sec. Council, holding formal session behind closed doors for 1st time in 15 years, begins major debate over scope of Gulf war [WP, LAT 2/15].

Marking 9th anniversary of Israeli annexation of Golan Heights, hundreds of Syrians come to Ain Tine and shout with bullhorns greetings and words of encouragement to friends and family in Majdal Shams, now controlled by Israel [NYT 2/15].

In 1st collective statement of Gulf war since hostilities began, leaders of more than 20 major Protestant and Orthodox Christian denominations, join with 15 Roman Catholic bishops, and many other denominations in reaffirming opposition to war and calling for cease-fire. Statement from 32 denominations is made public by National Council of Churches [MEM 2/14; NYT 2/15].

Soviet press is becoming increasingly critical of Gulf war, following Pres. Gorbachev's recent statements that war may be exceeding UN resolutions [NYT 2/15].

Cuba and Yemen circulate new peace plan at UN Sec. Council closed-door meeting calling for halt to allied bombing and UN commission to study possible solutions to crisis [NYT 2/15].

Curfew is lifted in Gaza; 14 Palestinians are wounded in clashes with IDF troops, who fire live ammunition and tear gas into crowds [HAD 2/15 in FBIS 2/15].

Hundreds of Iraqi civilians, many of them women and children, are killed when 2 American bombs score precision hits on what Baghdad calls residential bomb shelter and U.S. calls Iraqi command-and-control bunker; U.S. says Saddam "kills civilians intentionally," and suggests that he allowed civilians to use shelter in hopes of shielding military bunker [NYT, LAT, WP, WT, MEM 2/14].

U.S. sources claim Iraq has major military communications center hidden in secret basement of one of main Baghdad hotels used by foreigners [NYT 2/14].

Jordan says about 60 Jordanians and Sudanese fleeing Gulf war were killed in recent days when allied planes attacked buses in which they were riding [NYT 2/14].

During visit to Damascus, German F.M. Hans-Dietrich Genscher says Syria has renewed its commitment to recognize Israel's right to exist as part of new Middle East order to be established after Gulf war; Syria also says it remains committed to Palestinian self-determination [NYT, WP 2/14]. 

Allied forces battle Iraqi front line troops with air raids, ship-launched missiles, and artillery fire; military officials report about 50 fires burning at locations throughout Kuwait [LAT, NYT, WT, WP 2/13].

2 Iraqi gov't. ministry buildings are hit in bombing raids; senior Baghdad official claims Iraq is being systematically destroyed by allies [NYT, WP 2/13].

Saddam Hussein tells Soviet envoy Primakov that Baghdad is prepared to cooperate with Soviet Union and other "nations or agencies" to find peaceful solution to Gulf war; U.S. response is cautious optimism [MEM 2/12; LAT, NYT, WP, WT 2/13].

Diplomats report that Saudi Arabia is facing short-term financial problems after spending billions of dollars bankrolling Gulf war effort; officials say Saudis have contributed about $48 billion in military and economic assistance to allies since 2 August [MEM 2/12; LAT, NYT, WP 2/13].

Pres. Gorbachev warns that Gulf war is threatening to go beyond UN mandate to remove Iraq from Kuwait [NYT, WP 2/10; MEM 2/11].

SCUD missile hits Tel Aviv neighborhood, wounding 26 Israelis, none seriously [IDF 2/9 in FBIS 2/11; NYT, WP 2/10].

Front-page editorial in Al Thawra, leading Syrian newspaper, urges Iraqis to "liquidate" Saddam in extraordinary personal attack on Iraqi pres. [NYT 2/10].

British For. Sec. Douglas Hurd arrives in Riyadh from Ta'if, continues discussions with Saudi and Kuwaiti leaders [SPA 2/9 in FBIS 2/11].

Jordanian newspaper publishes "complete text" of minutes of meeting between UN Sec.-Gen. Perez de Cuellar and Saddam Hussein in Baghdad on 1/13 [DUS 2/9 in FBIS 2/11].

In separate statements Iran and USSR say they are waiting for "signal" from Saddam Hussein that he is ready for peace before making any new mediation efforts in Gulf war [MEM 2/5; LAT 2/6].

For 2d time in 6 days, U.S. ambassador to Jordan Roger Harrison is summoned in Amman to explain U.S. position on bombing raids on civilian highway leading from Baghdad to Jordanian border [LAT, WT 2/6].

French foreign ministry announces that Palestinians in o.t. will receive gas masks from the EC [LAT 2/6].

Israeli police say they have detained 10 Israeli Arabs on charges of spying for Iraq [LAT 2/6].

Israel decides to implement 3-stage plan to gradually allow Palestinians, who have been under curfew since war began, to leave their homes, but warns that pro-Iraq demonstrations could cause curfew to be reinstated [JPD 2/6 in FBIS 2/7; NYT, WP, MEM 2/6; LAT 2/7].

IDF mounts broad attacks against Palestinian strongholds in S. Lebanon, killing 12 and wounding 25; Palestinians return fire with rockets [IDF, BVL 2/5 in FBIS 2/5; IDF 2/6 in FBIS 2/6; NYT 2/6]. 

UN Sec.-Gen. Perez de Cuellar condemns allied bombing raids on highway from Baghdad to Jordanian border; calls Jordan "an innocent victim" of war [LAT 2/5].

In 1st policy address to Knesset on Gulf war, P.M. Shamir vows that Israel will never take part in an international conference on the Middle East, and denounces PLO as "the biggest supporters of the murderer from Baghdad" [IDF 2/4 in FBIS 2/5; NYT, LAT, WP, MEM, WT 2/5].

EC sends experts to Gulf to help contain oil slick; France's new D.M. Pierre Joxe flies to Saudi Arabia; Soviet Communist party calls on Pres. Gorbachev to launch fresh diplomatic initiative to end war [LAT 2/5].

Pres. Rafsanjani of Iran offers to mediate Gulf war; Iraq has no comment, U.S. response is cool [MEM 2/4; NYT, WP 2/5].

PLO says that it will stop its rocket attacks against Israeli troops in S. Lebanon "security zone," and will use other means to assist Iraq in Gulf war [RFL 2/4, BVL 2/5 in FBIS 2/5; NYT, WP 2/5]

More than 80 Iraqi planes have now sought refuge in Iran, according to U.S. officials [LAT, WT 1/29].

In television interview with CNN, Saddam Hussein says Iraq has won "the admiration of the world" for employing only conventional arms in war; Saddam warns that SCUD missiles can still be fitted with nonconventional warheads [BADS 1/28 in FBIS 1/29; LAT, WT 1/29].

Military officials say U.S. bombing raids at oil facilities in Kuwait have stopped oil spilling into Gulf, but not before 11 million barrels had entered the water [LAT, WT 1/29].

For 1st time in 20 years, no one protests outside Soviet embassy in Washington, demonstrating on behalf on Jews trying to emigrate from USSR; Kremlin's relaxed policies lead Jewish Community Council of Greater Washington to suspend daily 15-minute protests that began in December 1970 [LAT, WT 1/29].

Patriot missiles destroy incoming SCUD missiles aimed at Saudi Arabia; parts of SCUD land in Palestinian villages in West Bank; additional Patriot missile systems arrive in Saudi Arabia [SPA, IDF 1/28 in FBIS 1/29; LAT, WT 1/29].

Baghdad claims that some captured pilots have been injured in air raids by allied planes; in letter to UN leader Perez de Cuellar, Iraq says 345 civilians have been killed, 450 wounded, in air raids [LAT 1/29].

Prominent Israeli authors and peace activists Amos Oz, A.B. Yehoshua, Yoram Kaniuk, and Yael Dayan speak out in favor of war in Gulf, saying anti-war protests amount to appeasing Saddam Hussein [LAT 1/29].

One-day strike called in support of Iraq by Morocco's 3 major trade unions shuts down most economic activity [LAT 1/29].

UN Sec. Council rebuffs calls by several Arab nations for open debate on Gulf war; Council elects to continue informal consultations behind closed doors [LAT 1/29].

Bombs explode in Greece and Turkey, no one is injured in attacks that may be linked to U.S. role in war [LAT 1/29].

American Civil Liberties Union assails FBI assertion that Arab-American civic and business leaders will suffer no consequences if they refuse to be interviewed about potential terrorism [LAT 1/29].