PM Netanyahu says he is willing to have the police investigate his appointment of Bar-On as atty. gen. New allegations suggest that, during the cabinet debate on the Hebron protocol (1/16), Arye...
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...
Sec. Baker arrives in Brussels to continue discussions with other members of UN Sec. Council about possible resolution authorizing use of force in Gulf [WP 11/16].
Occupied Palestine/Israel: IS13 million exacted from Azza camp shopowner in 1st taxation of refugee camp shops. Qabatya youth sentenced to 2 mos. & charged...
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PM Netanyahu says he is willing to have the police investigate his appointment of Bar-On as atty. gen. New allegations suggest that, during the cabinet debate on the Hebron protocol (1/16), Arye Deri's Shas party conditioned its approval of the protocol on Bar-On's appointment (see 1/12). (NYT 1/25; WP 1/26; NYT, WP, WT 1/27; MEI 2/7)
During a State Dept. press briefing and once more during a Larry King Live interview, Secy. of State Albright again refers only to securing a "comprehensive peace." (State Department transcripts [internet]) (see 1/8)
After receiving criticism fr. Jews for signing the Churches for Middle East Peace ad (see 12/21), the National Council of Churches, one of the nation's most influential Christian organizations, says it will revise its Middle East policy in consultation with American Jewish leaders. (WP 1/25)
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].
Sec. Baker arrives in Brussels to continue discussions with other members of UN Sec. Council about possible resolution authorizing use of force in Gulf [WP 11/16].
Pres. of National Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk, writes to Pres. Bush that offensive action against Iraq would likely violate criteria Catholic tradition considers essential for a "just war"; National Council of Churches issues statement raising moral objections to possible war, calling for troop reduction in Gulf, and call- ing for international conference to develop comprehensive Middle East peace [WP, NYT 11/16].
Palestinians in O.T. celebrate 2d anniversary of declaration of Palestinian state with parades and fireworks; minor clashes with IDF are reported [WP 11/16].
Saddam Hussein tells ABC News he wants to negotiate peaceful settlement to Gulf crisis, but refuses to withdraw from Kuwait as precondition for talks [WP, NYT 11/16].
Following 2d round of talks between Pres. Mubarak and Pres. Asad, both announce rejection of call for Arab summit [RMC, MENA 11/15 in FBIS 11/16].
Soviet envoy Primakov calls for delaying introduction of Sec. Council resolution authorizing use of force against Iraq to give time for final negotiating effort [NYT 11/16].
Space shuttle Atlantis lifts off on mission allegedly to deploy spy satellite over Gulf [WP 11/16].
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: IS13 million exacted from Azza camp shopowner in 1st taxation of refugee camp shops. Qabatya youth sentenced to 2 mos. & charged IS100,000 for demonstrating. Jamal Awarneh gets life sentence for killing Jewish settler in Bethlehem (1982).
Arab World: In al-Ra'i (Amman) both Jordanian and PLO officials quoted saying Israeli election aided extremism and will lead to more Arab-Jewish violence in Palestine. Israeli liaison office in Dubayeh officially closed; Israel gov't. threatens closure "will necessarily cause great harm and suffering to the Lebanese people."
Other Countries: Chrmn. Arafat received by Malaysia's Sultan Iskandar in Kuala Lumpur for 3-day visit. US State Dep't. study possibility of revoking Meir Kahane's US citizenship for allegiance to foreign gov't.; officials say official action against him unlikely. Reagan aides meet Antiochian Orthodox and national Council of Churches leaders, reaffirm US stand against embassy transfer to Jerusalem. US Asst. Undersec. of State testifies before House Foreign Affairs Subcom. that, with outcome of Israel's elections, its economic situation is much worse than earlier suspected, and that US will resuscitate Reagan peace initiative.
Military Action
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Molotov cocktail hurled at IDF soldier patroling al-Ibrahimi Mosque, Hebron; curfew imposed, several passersby arrested & searched.
