The Palestine Chronology

Syrian FM Shara` meets with Lebanese Pres. Hrawi in Beirut. (WT 2/14)

In Amman, King Hussein, PM Kabariti receives Congressional delegation, incl. Senators Claiborne Pell (D-RI), Charles Robb (D-VA), James Inhofe (R-OK). (RJ 2/8 in FBIS 2/9; RJ 2/8 in FBIS 2/12)

Israeli Agriculture, Internal Security Mins. order official inquiry into kibbutz debts to banks after initial study suggests such debts total $4.8 b., much higher than expected. The sum is considered problematic but not destabilizing since the debts were already considered bad debts by the banking sector and factored accordingly. (JP 2/8 in FBIS 2/9)

Hizballah and Amal commands hold unity and coordination meeting in s. Lebanon. (RL 2/8 in FBIS 2/8)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Estimated 200 Umm al-Fahm secondary school students call on Israeli authorities to ease municipal financial crisis [FJ 1/30]. Demonstrators in Khan Yunis protest decision to expel Muhammad Dahlan [FJ 1/30].

Arab World: Organization for Oppressed on Earth claims responsibility for 1/24 seizure of 4 university professors in Beirut [NYT 1/26].

Other Countries: U.S. Sen. Claiborne Pell urges military response if American hostages in Beirut are killed and there is "clear evidence" of responsibility [WP 1/26]. In article detailing his account of the Iran arms deal, Michael Ledeen, former consultant to National Security Council, asserts "original push" came from Iran, not U.S. or Israel [WP 1/25].