The Palestine Chronology

Iraq's Revolutionary Command Council agrees to Bush-Aziz and Saddam-Baker meetings intended to avert war; U.S. admin. officials rebuff Iraqi suggestion that talks deal also with Palestine question [NYT, WP 12/2; BDS 12/1, PAT 12/2 in FBIS 12/3; MEM 12/3; MET 12/11].

Israeli air force planes bomb Palestinian Popular Struggle Front base in S. Lebanon, wounding at least 5 people [NYT 12/2; BDS 12/1 in FBIS 12/3; JDS 12/1 in FBIS 12/4].

Egypt, PLO, and Gulf states welcome Pres. Bush's overture toward Iraq, PLO's Yasir Abd Rabbo calls it "a step in the right direction" [MENA 12/1, WAKH, RTS 12/2 in FBIS 12/3; NYT 12/2; MEM 12/3].

Israeli police shoot dead middle-aged Palestinian woman after she tries to stab Jerusalem policeman; policeman is not hurt [NYT 12/2].

Def. Sec. Richard Cheney signs order raising to 189,250 the maximum number of military reservists who can be ordered to active duty in Gulf; previous limit was 125,000 [NYT, LAT 12/4].

129th Israeli reservist is jailed for refusing to serve in o.t. [JPD 12/2 in FBIS 12/3].

In Boston, estimated 8,000 to 10,000 people protest against U.S. military involvement in Gulf [MEM 12/3].

John Major is selected as next prime minister of Britain [NYT, LAT, WT, WP 11/28; CSM 11/29].

Bush admin. announces that Chinese F.M. Qian has been invited to Washington for talks with Sec. Baker, in what appears to be compensation to Beijing for its support for draft UN resolution authorizing force against Iraq [NYT, WT 11/28].

Saddam Hussein tells reporters that Iraq does not have nuclear weapons; International Atomic Energy Agency reports Iraq's small stock of highly enriched reactor fuel has not been diverted to build nuclear weapons [NYT, WT, WP, MEM 11/28].

2 PFLP fighters and 5 Israeli soldiers are killed, 6th is wounded during firefight near Shabaa, S. Lebanon. Hours later, Israeli air force bombs PFLP and DFLP bases east of Sidon, and Israeli long-range artillery hits villages north of "security zone" [AFP, IDF, BDS, JDS 11/27 in FBIS 11/27; MEM 11/27; NYT, LAT. WT, WP 11/28; CSM 11/29; JPI 12/8; MET 12/11].

Rear Adm. Gene La Rocque (Ret.) tells congressional committee that 6-month Gulf war would result in deaths of 10,000 U.S. soldiers, wounding of 35,000 others, and cost $80 billion [LAT 11/28].

In Tunis, Yasir Arafat confers separately with ambassadors of the 5 permanent members of UN Sec. Council, discussing Gulf crisis and situation in o.t.; Arafat tells ambassadors to demand Sec. Council issue same ultimatum to Israel that it intends to address to Iraq [MEM 11/28; MAP 11/28 in FBIS 11/29].

Saudi official says his country's gratitude toward USSR for its support in Gulf crisis has motivated Saudi Arabia to lend Moscow as much as $1 billion as part of GCC "financial cooperation program" [MEM 11/27, 11/29; WP 11/29]. 

Bush admin. says it has enough support to gain approval of UN Sec. Council resolution authorizing the use of force against Iraq; U.S. would like UN to set 1 Jan. as deadline for Iraq to leave Kuwait or face military response (cf. 11/26, 11/27, 11/29) [NYT, WT, WP 11/26; CSM 11/27].

Defense Sec. Dick Cheney says that an Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait would not solve Gulf crisis, because it is "only a matter of time" before Saddam acquires ability to threaten world with nuclear and biological weapons [LAT 11/26].

Teen-aged girl runs at Israeli troops in S. Lebanon "security zone," detonates explosive she had strapped to her body, killing herself and wounding 2 soldiers. National Syrian Socialist Party, a Lebanese group, claims responsibility [JDS 11/25 in FBIS 11/26; NYT, MEM 11/26; JPI 12/1; FJ 12/3; MET 12/4].

Man believed to be an Egyptian border policeman crosses into Israel, opens fire on passing vehicles, killing 4 Israelis and injuring more than 24; wounded by security officer, assailant flees back towards border [QUD, RMC, AFP, CDS, JDS 11/25 in FBIS 11/26; NYT, LAT, WT, WIP, CSM, MEM 11/26; JPI 12/1; FJ 12/3; MET 12/4].

As part of several new military appointments, Israel announces that Maj. Gen. Ehud Baraq will become next IDF chief of staff as of 1 April 1991, replacing Lt. Gen. Dan Shomron [IDF 11/25 in FBIS 11/28; JPD 11/30 in FBIS 11/30; MEM 11/26; JPI 12/8; LAT 1/1].

In Bogota, Sec. Baker appears to win qualified support from Colombia for UN resolution authorizing use of force against Iraq [NYT 11/25; MEM 11/26].

Saddam Hussein announces that as a demonstration of his "human feeling" he will release 11 Britons whose wives and children had traveled to Iraq to see them [IRT 11/24 in FBIS 11/26; NYT, WP 11/25].

Israeli navy sinks small boat carrying 5 PFLP-GC fighters off coast of S. Lebanon, killing all 5 [QUD, JDS 11/25 in FBIS 11/26; NYT, MEM 11/26; JPI 12/1; FJ 12/3; MET 12/4]. 

Pres. Bush orders U.S. forces in Gulf in- creased by about 200,000, a new deployment he says would ensure that an "offensive military option" is available if needed. Increase will raise number of troops in region to about 430,000 [WP, NYT 11/9].

After meeting with Sec. Baker, Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze says that although USSR wants a diplomatic settlement to Gulf crisis, military force may be required to expel Iraq from Kuwait [WP, NYT 11/9].

Washington Post reports that in the past week 3 Marine generals have warned that U.S. military supply lines in Gulf are showing signs of strain and have urged that military stockpiles be increased before any U.S. offensive [WP 11/9].

Israeli soldier and Arab are killed in gunfight after 5 Arabs cross border from Jordan, allegedly seeking revenge on 1 month anniversary of Haram al-Sharif killings [IDF, JDS 11/8 in FBIS 11/9; MEM 11/8; WP, NYT 11/9].

D.M. Moshe Arens says Israel will not let Lebanese gov't regain control of S. Lebanon "security zone" controlled by Israel [NYT 11/9].

Saddam Hussein has dismissed his military chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Nazir al-Khazraji, according to Iraqi army newspaper Al-Qadisiya [MEM 11/8; NYT 11/9]. 

In report submitted to Sec. Council, UN Sec.-Gen. Perez de Cuellar suggests that the 164 nations that signed 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention on protecting civilians in wartime should meet to discuss new ways to ensure safety of Palestinians in O.T. (cf. 11/4) [WP, NYT, MEM 11/2].

Saddam Hussein orders the release of 4 elderly and sick American hostages [INA 11/1 in FBIS 11/2; WP 11/2; NYT 11/3].

Amnesty International says it has evidence that Saudi forces detained and tortured hundreds of Yemenis over their country's stand in the Gulf crisis, and urges King Fahd to conduct enquiry [WP 11/2].

Pres. Bush says he is "not trying to prepare our country for war," but admits a diplomatic solution to Gulf crisis is no nearer, and that status quo cannot remain forever [WP, NYT 11/2].

Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf, commander of U.S. forces in Gulf, says his troops could obliterate Iraq but cautions that total destruction might not be "in the interest of the long-term balance of power in this region" [NYT 11/2].

Number of Soviet immigrants arriving in Israel during October topped 20,000 for 1st time, with 20,324 for a 1990 total of 121,752 [NYT 11/2].

Arab League begins its official work at its new headquarters in Cairo; acting Sec.-Gen. As'ad meets with Egypt's F.M. Majid to discuss Gulf crisis [MEM 11/1; CDS, MENA 11/1 in FBIS 11/2].

Israeli warplanes bomb targets in Lebanon's Biqa' Valley for 2d time in 8 days, no casualty figures are reported [IDF 11/1 in FBIS 11/1; BDS 11/1 in FBIS 11/2; WP 11/2].

Hinting that a new peace initiative might be under way in Gulf crisis, USSR asks UN Sec. Council to postpone approving new resolution condemning Iraq; Primakov arrives in Baghdad for talks with Saddam Hussein [NYT, WP 10/28].

Bush admin. officials say White House did not approve or disapprove of Lebanese and Syrian actions and believes that while Syria's ouster of Gen. Aoun in Beirut was violent, it was the only solution that offered any promise for Lebanon [NYT 10/28].

EC leaders say Iraq's selective release of foreign hostages would not erode their unity in the Gulf crisis, and say they are "prepared to consider additional steps" within UN framework if sanctions do not force Iraq out of Kuwait [NYT, LAT 10/29]; Jordanian officials say they expect to receive $1.5 billion from EC to fend off economic collapse in Jordan [MEM 10/29].

At Helsinki summit, Pres. Bush and Pres. Gorbachev issue strongly-worded statement declaring unconditional support for economic and political sanctions against Iraq [LAT, NYT, WT, WP, CSM 9/10]; Pres. Bush drops longstanding opposition to Soviet involvement in Middle East peace process [NYT, WT, WP 9/11].

Israeli gov't is reported to have won court order temporarily blocking Canadian publication of Victor Ostrosky and Claire Hoy's book By Way of Deception: A Devastating Insider's Portrait of the Mossad [NYT 9/10; JPD 9/10 in FBIS 9/10].

Israeli police investigators recommend placing 9 police officers on trial for torturing Palestinians at Jerusalem's main jail, but high-ranking officials request review of evidence before charges are filed [NYT 9/10].

Saudi officials say their country will continue to support the Palestinians until they achieved an independent state, despite Palestinian support for Iraq [WT 9/10; MET 9/18].

More than 300 American women and children evacuated from Kuwait leave Amman to U.S. [WP 9/10; ADS 9/9 in FBIS 9/10].

'Abd-al-'Aziz Rantisi, a founder of Hamas, calls on Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait, urging Saddam to act according to Muslim law rather than according to personal likes and dislikes; Rantisi also calls for removal of U.S. troops from region [HAA 9/10 in FBIS 9/11].

Palestinians in O.T. observe general strike to mark beginning of 34th month of intifada [FJ 9/17].

After 3 days of fierce gun battles in S. Lebanon, Fateh troops loyal to Arafat over-run last stronghold of forces loyal to Abu Nidal; 18 people are reported dead [BDS 9/9 in FBIS 9/10; NYT, WP 9/10; WT 9/11; MET 9/18].

U.S. warships in Gulf halt but do not board 2 Iraqi cargo vessels in 1st test of naval blockade; allow vessels to sail on after ascertaining ships carried no cargo [NYT 8/18].

State Dep't reports Iraqi officials have moved 35 Americans from Baghdad hotel to another hotel where communications with U.S. diplomats have been cut off [NYT 8/18].

1,000 Iranian prisoners, held by Iraq since Iraq-Iran war, are released under supervision of Red Cross [INA 8/17 in FBIS 8/17].

Citizen's Rights Movement MK Yossi Sarid, who supports Palestinian state in O.T., writes in HaAretz: "If it is permissible to support Saddam Hussein, who murdered tens of thousands of 'opponents of the regime' . . . perhaps it is not so terrible to back the policies of Shamir, Sharon, and Rabin. In comparison with Saddam Hussein's crimes, the Israeli government's sins are as white as the driven snow" [MEM 8/17; WP 9/1].

Israeli Pres. Chaim Herzog, speaking on Israeli radio, charges that the world has overfocused on Arab-Israeli conflict, and lost sight of more dangerous issues in the Middle East; he blames media for ignoring "bloodshed in the Arab world" [MEM 8/17].

PLO's Salah Khalaf says in interview that PLO is not pro-Iraqi, but pro-Arab, and seeks an Arab solution to the problem [MEM 8/17].

Israeli troops shoot dead 2 guerrillas in Israel's self-declared "security zone" in S. Lebanon [MET 8/28]. 

Pres. Saddam Hussein says he will not withdraw forces from Kuwait unless "all issues of occupation" in Middle East are resolved, beginning with unconditional Israeli withdrawal from O.T. [LAT, WP 8/13].

Arafat sends messages to heads of permanent member states of UN Sec.Council [INA 8/13 in FBIS 8/14].

DFLP, PFLP, and PFLP-GC level sharp criticism at U.S. for its military presence in Saudi Arabia [BDS 8/12 in FBIS 8/13].

Israeli police arrest Jewish woman and 14-year-old boy in connection with killing of E. Jerusalem Arab by Jewish mob [WT 8/13].

Knesset appoints Zalman Shoval to be ambassador to U.S.; Shoval is member of Rafi Ometz party that agreed to join P.M. Shamir's gov't. in return for U.S. appointment [WT, NYT 8/13].

Second Red Cross worker, held hostage since 10/6/89, is freed in S.Lebanon; Elio Erriquez is released by Palestinian Revolutionary Squads group [LAT 8/13; WP, NYT 8/14].

UN Sec.Council unanimously declares Iraq's annexation of Kuwait "null and void" [WP, NYT 8/10].

Arab leaders postpone Cairo summit for one day to reach solution to Iraqi delegate's refusal to participate in summit with Kuwaiti delegate, saying Kuwait is part of Iraq [CDS, MENA 8/9, BVL 8/10 in FBIS 8/10; LAT, WP, NYT 8/10].

Arafat meets in Baghdad with Saddam Hussein to discuss Gulf crisis [INA 8/9 in FBIS 8/10].

P.M. Shamir sends message to Pres. Bush in effort to upgrade U.S.-Israel contacts during Gulf crisis; Ma'ariv notes that Bush has not consulted with Shamir as he has with other leaders in the region [MAA 8/10 in FBIS 8/10].

Israel successfully test-launches Arrow missile designed to intercept incoming rockets; U.S. funds 80% of Arrow program as part of Washington's SDI initiative; Arrow will not be fully operational for 5 years [DS 8/9 in FBIS 8/13; LAT, NYT, WP, WT 8/10; JPI 8/18].

Palestinian injured on 8/7 dies; he was injured as Jewish mobs avenging deaths of 2 Israeli boys overturned his car [WP 8/10]. Amal movement reports its troops attacked Israeli positions in S.Lebanon, wounding 3 [BDS 8/9 in FBIS 8/13].

Statement by Avi Pazner, of interim P.M. Shamir's office, rejects U.S. assumptions that Israel is holding "hostages," but rather, Israel is holding "terrorists" and "therefore there is no room for any comparison between them" and Western hostages held in Lebanon [WP, LAT 5/ 8].

Syria announces it will not attend the Arab summit meeting in Baghdad because of animosity between Pres. Asad and Pres. Saddam Hussein (cf. 5/9) [WP 5/8].

Militant rabbi Moshe Levinger pleads guilty to death by negligence charge after lawyers plea bargain to reduce original charge of manslaughter for shooting death of Arab salesman in Hebron. Levinger is to be sentenced on 5/14 [WT 5/ 2].

Israeli officials offer to exchange Arab prisoners for 3 Israelis held in Lebanon, but indicate they would not make any deals for Western hostages [WT 5/2].

Israeli gov't. reports that for 16th consecutive month number of Soviet Jews arriving in Israel has increased. Officials say 10,500 Jews emigrated to Israel in April, compared to 7,300 in March [NYT 5/2].

All but 20 Jewish settlers leave St. John's Hospice in Christian quarter of Jerusalem in compliance with Supreme Court eviction order [IDF 5/1 in FBIS 5/ 1; NYT, WP, LAT 5/2].

Soviet ambassador to Syria Alexander Zotov says Arab-Israeli conflict and buildup of weapons in Middle East will be "top priority" at 30 May-3 June Bush-Gorbachev summit [WT 5/2]; Zotov criticizes U.S. for not showing enough "firmness" with Israel to reach peace settlement [WP 5/2].

Fifteen Arab states have agreed to attend Arab summit meeting in Baghdad in late May [KUNA 5/1 in FBIS 5/2].

Arafat and Saddam Hussein meet in Baghdad to discuss upcoming Arab summit [INA 5/1 in FBIS 5/3].