The Palestine Chronology

Sec. Baker meets with Palestinians in Jerusalem, makes no comment afterward. Faisal Husseini says that meeting was most constructive of the 3 held so far. Baker flies to Jordan for meeting with King Hussein (lst since Gulf war), who endorses Baker's peace mission; then Baker flies to Cairo. Israeli officials criticize what they call "subtle pressure" on Jerusalem to offer concessions; Baker and other American officials admit that Saudi Arabia is not likely to attend peace conference with Israel [NYT, WP 4/21; JDS, IDF, AGS, MENA, ADS 4/20 in FBIS 4/22; FJ 4/22; JPI 5/4].

Battalion of U.S. Marines lands in northern Iraq to begin erecting 1st refugee camp in what is to be allied-protected zone inside Iraq [NYT, WP 4/21; CSM 4/22].

Under pressure to form more democratic gov't., Kuwait announces new cabinet with 4 of 9 members of Sabah family retaining major posts [NYT 4/21; MEM 4/22; KUNA 4/20 in FBIS 4/22].

Opposition groups say naming cabinet is insufficient, that it fails to move country toward democracy [WP 4/21; MEM 4/22].

Yasir Arafat arrives in Yemen for meetings with Pres. Salih [AES 4/20, SDS 4/21 in FBIS 4/22].

UN survey of civilian damage caused by allied bombardment of Iraq calls the results "near apocalyptic," and recommends an immediate end to embargo on food and other essential supplies [NYT 3/22].

Bush admin., moving to counter impression that it had scapegoated Ambassador to Iraq April Glaspie on Kuwait invasion, says it knew Iraqi transcript of Glaspie-Saddam meeting was inaccurate but did not wish to divert attention from coalition by correcting the record [NYT, WT 3/22].

U.S. military says thousands of Iraqi civilians have poured into villages and communities in Iraqi territory controlled by allied forces; many are refugees from civil unrest gripping much of Iraq [NYT 3/22]; heavy fighting occurs in northern Iraq [WP 3/22].

Speaker of the House Thomas Foley (D-Wash.) says he supports Pres. Bush's opposition to measure passed by Senate that cuts off aid to Jordan. White House threatens to veto bill unless aid provision is removed [NYT 3/22].

Palestinian paramedics says Palestinian and Iraqi torture victims are being kept in secret hospital wards accessible only to Kuwaiti doctors, and that at least 2 casualties were beaten while still in hospital's emergency room [WP 3/22].

In report to Congress, State Dep't. says Soviet Jewish emigrants are settling in o.t. at higher rate than Israeli gov't. claims; report adds Jewish population in o.t. is growing by as much as 10% annually [WP, WT 3/22].

Speaking on NBC television, King Hussein says that Jordan would not agree to substitute for PLO in any negotiations, but if PLO asked him to be part of joint delegation, he would consider doing so [MEM 4/3]. 

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].

Iraq accepts Pres. Bush's terms for meeting of military commanders to discuss full cease-fire, leading admin. officials to hope for quick release of POWs and end of Gulf war [BADS 2/28 in FBIS 2/28; NYT, LAT, WP 3/1].

Iraq's ambassador to the UN formally notifies Sec. Council that Iraq intends to comply with all 12 Sec. Council Gulf resolutions [INA 2/28 in FBIS 2/28; LAT, WP, CSM 3/1]; U.S. proposes draft resolution for permanent cease-fire, draft is accepted in principal by 4 other permanent members of Sec. Council [NYT, WP 3/1].

Prominent Kuwaiti opposition figure Hamid Yoaan is wounded in apparent assassination attempt in Kuwait City, raising fears that instability will continue until emir visibly assumes control [WP 3/1; MET 3/12].

U.S. Justice Dep't. indicts Iraqi gov't. officials and former executive of an Italian bank thought to have been used by Saddam Hussein to finance part of his weapons buildup [LAT 3/1].

Gulf war allied losses: 126 killed in combat, 79 of which were U.S. soldiers; 56 MIAs, including 35 Americans; 13 POWs, including 9 Americans. 213 Americans were wounded. Iraqi losses: U.S. military says allies destroyed or otherwise defeated 42 Iraqi divisions, leaving only 1 division intact; allies destroyed or captured more than 3,000 Iraqi tanks, 1,857 armored vehicles, and 2,140 artillery pieces. More than 80,000 POWs were taken; no counts are issued for Iraqi dead [NYT, LAT 3/1].

Soviet F.M. Bessmertnykh praises liberation of Kuwait: "for the first time, the international community showed its unified will. . ."; adds that "time is ripe" for renewed efforts to solve Israeli-Palestinian conflict [LAT, NYT 3/1].

Other European countries welcome cease-fire; several Arab nations express relief, call for healing; Israel lifts state of emergency [NYT, LAT, WP 3/1; JPI 3/9; MET 3/12]; PLO Exec. Committee welcomes cease-fire and says war "has revealed the urgent need for a solution to all the region's problems" [MEM 3/1].

UAE Pres. Shaykh Zayid donates $500,000 to al-Maqassed hospital in E. Jerusalem [WAKH 2/28 in FBIS 2/28].

U.S. begins investigation into allegation that Jordan defied UN embargo and smuggled weapons into Iraq during Gulf war (cf. 3/15) [NYT 3/1].

Egyptian Armed Forces Central Command reports that to date 9 Egyptian soldiers have been killed and 74 have been wounded [CDS 2/28 in FBIS 3/1].

Israeli Treasury reports that Gulf war caused estimated $3.5 billion in economic losses to Israel [MAA 3/1 in FBIS 3/5].

EC says it is donating $700,000 as emergency humanitarian aid to buy water purification equipment for Iraq [MEM 2/28]. 

Declaring "Kuwait is liberated" 100 hours after ground war commenced, Pres. Bush orders suspension of offensive military operations against Iraq as long as Iraq does not attack allied forces or launch missiles at any country [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 2/28; CSM 3/1]; Pres. Bush also sets demands on Iraq for permanent cease-fire; complying with all 12 UN resolutions; freeing all POWs and detainees; giving allies location of all land and sea mines. Bush adds he is sending Sec. Baker to Middle East to deal with "the difficult task of securing a potentially historical peace" [NYT, WP, WT 2/28].

Before suspension of hostilities, 4 U.S. Army armored divisions defeat resisting Republican Guard units in large tank battle; Gen. Schwarzkopf says there are more than 50,000 total Iraqi POWs and "a very, very large number" of Iraqi dead [MEM 2/27; NYT, LAT, WP, WT 2/28; MET 3/12]; allied officials and relief organizations discuss what to do with growing number of POWs who do not wish to return to Iraq [LAT 2/28].

Kuwaiti army returns to Kuwait City, is met by cheering civilians; gov't. buildings are reported destroyed by retreating Iraqis [LAT, WP, CSM 2/28].

In Damascus, Pres. Asad meets with Lebanese Pres. Hrawi to discuss Middle East future; thousands of Palestinians in Sidon demonstrate against U.S. [DDS 2/27 in FBIS 2/28; LAT 2/28; MET 3/12].

Congressmen say they fear allies will not follow through on monetary pledges made to U.S. during Gulf war; Congress members are reportedly especially upset at Japan [LAT 2/28].

Egyptian police fire rubber bullets at stone-throwing students at Cairo University where thousands protest war against Iraq for 3d consecutive day [AFP 2/27 in FBIS 3/1; MET 3/12].

Prominent Palestinian nationalist, Dr. Mamdouh al-Aker, is arrested on suspicion of helping to write UNLU leaflets, apparently as part of Israeli crackdown on Palestinian moderates (cf. 4/7) [MEM 2/28].

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 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.

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].

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].

Six U.S. helicopter crewmen are killed in 2 separate crashes; 3 airmen are missing after B-52 crashes in Indian Ocean [LAT, NYT, WP, WT, MEM 2/4].

Investigators confirm that 7 U.S. soldiers killed 1/31 were victims of friendly fire [LAT, NYT, WP, MEM, WT 2/4].

Allied air war passes 40,000 sortie mark; U.S. command reports that 25 of 35 major Iraqi bridges leading to Iraqi front line have been destroyed as allies continue pounding Iraqi positions. 68 Iraqi aircraft are reported destroyed, and number of Iraqi prisoners stands at "about 800" [LAT, NYT, WP 2/4].

EC foreign ministers meet in Brussels for 1st time since war began [LAT, MEM 2/4].

Knesset approves cabinet addition of anti-Arab Rehavam Zeevi, former general [IDF, JDS 2/3 in FBIS 2/4; LAT, NYT, WP, MEM 2/4].

In Rabat, at least 300,000 people take to streets in pro-Iraqi demonstration [PDS 2/3 in FBIS 2/4; NYT 2/4; LAT 2/5].

Jerusalem District Court confirms detention of Sari Nusseibeh, reducing sentence from 6 to 3 months. Nusseibeh was detained on 1/29 as alleged spy for Iraq [IDF 2/3 in FBIS 2/4].

Lebanese gov't. says it has arrested 4 senior Palestinian fighters, including top aid to Abu Nidal, and is sending troops to S. Lebanon to check PLO military power there [NYT 2/4].

Allied forces seize more than 500 Iraqi prisoners in 2 days of clashes near the Saudi town of Khafji; allies continue to bomb Iraqi positions along Saudi-Kuwaiti border [LAT, NYT, WT, WP, MEM 2/2].

Marines report that some of 12 U.S. casu- alties of 1/31 fighting may have been killed by friendly fire [LAT, NYT, MEM, WP 2/2].

IDF artillery again shells PLO targets north of S. Lebanese "security zone" [IDF 2/1 in FBIS 2/1; MEM 2/1; NYT, WP 2/2].

UNLU issues intifada call no. 67, "The Call of Steadfastness and Defiance" [AVP 2/2 in FBIS 2/4].

Iraqi F.M. Aziz sends letter to UN Sec.- Gen. Perez de Cuellar decrying allied bomb- ing of civilian targets; Aziz complains that previous letter of 1/24 was ignored [BADS 2/4 in FBIS 2/4; NYT 2/5].

P.M. Shamir signs coalition agreement with Moledet faction, terms of which provide for Rehavam Zeevi, who has openly called for "transfer" of Arabs out of Israel and the o.t. to be named minister without portfolio (cf. 2/3) [NYT 2/2; JTS 2/1 in FBIS 2/4].

State Dep't.'s annual report on human rights says Iraq's "abysmal record" of violations worsened during 1990; report also criticizes Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, and Kuwait. State Dep't. also "remains concerned about continuing violence, death and injuries on both sides" of Israeli-Palestinian conflict [MEM 2/1; NYT, WP 2/2]. 

Allied bombers attack 10-mile column of thousands of Iraqi troops and as many as 1,000 vehicles as they move in southern Kuwait; allied command says it is not apparent whether Iraqis are regrouping or massing for attack [WP, NYT 2/1].

Saudi and Qatari forces, backed by U.S. artillery retake Saudi border town of Khafji, capture 167 Iraqi soldiers [WP, NYT, LAT 2/1].

Envoys from France, Algeria, Yemen, and Iraq arrive in Iran on separate diplomatic missions designed to end Gulf war; Iran tells Iraq it will hold on to Iraqi airplanes until end of war [WP, NYT, LAT 2/1].

Israeli F.M. David Levy outlines possible 5-point post-war plan, linking Israel's discussion of Palestinian issue with simultaneous bilateral peace talks with Arab nations [WP 2/1].

Pres. Mubarak affirms that 45,000 Egyptian soldiers would not be used to attack Iraq [LAT 2/1].

Rocket and artillery clashes between Israel and PLO fighters in S. Lebanon continue; radio stations call it "mini-war"; Israel says PLO is trying to open 2d front in war [NYT, LAT 2/1].

Iraq fires SCUD missile at Israel; it disintegrates in flight, falling debris lands in West Bank [NYT, LAT 2/1].

State Dep't. official says that about 70 acts of terrorism have been committed against U.S. and allied interests outside U.S. since Gulf war began; most are small property damage [NYT, LAT 2/1].

Red Cross convoy carrying 19 tons of emergency medical supplies for Iraqi civilians crosses from Iran into Iraq; 1st such mission since war began [LAT 2/1].

War toll according to allies includes: 30,000 sorties flown; 23 allied planes lost, 18 in combat; 11 Americans killed in action; 161 Iraqi prisoners; 59 Iraqi planes destroyed. Iraq claims to have shot down 180 allied aircraft; captured 20 prisoners; and that 320 civilians and 90 soldiers have been killed [LAT 2/1].

Allied forces, led by Saudi troops, try to liberate small Saudi border town of Khafji after 1st major Iraqi ground assault had captured the town; reports say 12 Marines, perhaps as many as 500 Iraqis are killed in the battle (cf. 1/31) [NYT, LAT, WT, WP 1/31].

Responding to questions about 1/29 joint U.S.-Soviet statement, U.S. officials say it was intended as gesture to keep Moscow's backing for coalition, and not a softening of previous demands for ending war. P.M. Shamir bitterly complains that he was not given advance notice of joint statement [NYT, LAT, WP 1/31].

U.S. commander Gen. Schwarzkopf tells reporters that 75% of Iraq's command, control, and communications facilities have been bombed, and that the Iraqi air force is no longer a viable military threat [LAT, WP 1/31].

Jordanian F.M. Taher Masri accuses U.S. of violating Geneva Convention by bombing civilian traffic near the Jordan-Iraq border, killing 4 Jordanians and 1 Egyptian; some refugees claim allies have deliberately targeted oil tankers, buses, and refugee convoys [NYT, LAT, WT, WP 1/31].

Jordanian officials say since 2 August, about 323,000 men and women have volunteered for Jordan's Popular Army; many have expressed desire to fight for Iraq [LAT 1/31].

As part of psychological war, U.S. has dropped at least 4 million leaflets on Iraqi troops, promising them safe passage if they wish to surrender [LAT 1/31].

Pres. Mubarak makes unannounced visit to Tripoli to meet with Libyan leader Qaddafi [LAT 1/31].

EC decides how to divide $685 million in loans and grants to Egypt, Turkey, and Jordan to help compensate for Gulf crisis losses: Egypt will receive $240 million grant; Jordan, a $205 million grant; and Turkey, an interest-free loan of $240 million. Individual EC states earlier gave the 3 nations $1.37 billion [NYT, LAT, WP 1/31].

Breaking long-standing official policy against shipping weapons to areas of tension, German gov't. announces $700-million military support package to Israel [LAT, WP 1/31; NYT 2/1]; Germany also offers Britain $535 million and military equipment for its role in Gulf war [WT 1/31; NYT 2/1].

Israel shells 2 villages in S. Lebanon's Biqqa Valley after rockets struck Israeli positions in "security zone"; no injuries are reported [LAT 1/31]; Israeli officials believe that PLO has begun operations against Israel on behalf of Iraq [WP 1/31]. 

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]. 

U.S. Gen. Schwarzkopf says there are 39 Iraqi aircraft on Iranian soil, many being flown there recently. He also says allied planes have recorded 26 air-to-air combat kills while flying over 22,000 sorties [NYT, LAT 1/28]; allied command reports about 65% of Iraq's airfields are still operational, that 20% of Iraqi radar is back in operation [WP 1/28].

Egypt's Deputy F.M. Boutros Ghali says his country "is not in favor" of the destruction of Iraq nor of its present gov't., reminds U.S. that Egyptian support ends when troops reach Iraqi border with Kuwait [NYT, LAT 1/28].

Sec. Baker says Saudi Arabia will contribute $13.5 billion to the war effort; contribution is for the first 3 months of 1991 [LAT 1/28].

Iranian branch of Red Crescent Society says it is sending to Iraq emergency food supplies [LAT 1/28].

Revising earlier $30 billion estimate, White House says it anticipates spending $40 to $50 billion in 1991 to fight Gulf war [WT 1/28].

Aliyah Committee reports about 16,000 Soviet Jews arrived in Israel during January, a significant drop largely due to war [IDF 1/27 in FBIS 1/29].

Allied bombers, aided by improving weather, step-up pace of attacks deep into Iraq; largest Marine amphibious assault force since Korean War practices landings in Gulf [NYT, LAT, WP 1/25].

For 1st time, French warplanes attack targets inside Iraq; previously Pres. Mitterrand said French would only attack positions in Kuwait [NYT, LAT 1/25].

Saudi pilot shoots down 2 Iraqi Mirage F-1s, recording 1st Saudi kills in combat [NYT, LAT, WT, WP 1/25].

About 300 young Kuwaitis have been trained to help U.S. ground forces identify Iraqis in Kuwait in event of land war in Gulf; Kuwaitis will work as interpreters and try to spot Iraqis trying to blend in with Kuwaiti population [NYT 1/25].

Facing growing hesitation about Egypt's role in Gulf war, Pres. Mubarak says Egypt is obligated by its commitments to UN and Arab League to come to the aid of Kuwait; Mubarak also urges Israeli restraint [NYT, WP 1/25]; Los Angeles Times reports growing Arab concern over Iraq's survival [LAT 1/25].

UN Sec. Council meets to discuss ceasefire proposed by N. African countries, but effort is considered futile as U.S. and other permanent council members are certain to veto any resolution calling for end to fighting [NYT 1/25].

Iraqi television broadcasts interviews with 7 allied pilots shot down and taken prisoner; Pentagon officials believe pilots' statements to be coerced [INA, ATS 1/20 in FBIS 1/22; NYT, LAT, WT, WP 1/21].

Iraq launches barrage of at least 9 SCUD missiles at Dhahran and Riyadh; most or all are shot down by Patriot anti-missile defenses [SPA 1/20 in FBIS 1/22; NYT, LAT, WT, WP 1/21].

U.S. command concludes that after 4 days of bombardment, most of Iraq's air force has escaped serious damage; however, future role Iraqi planes can take in war is viewed by U.S. as limited [NYT, WT 1/21]; U.S. also says that Iraqi nuclear facilities have been heavily bombed; light allied losses are credited to early strikes against Iraqi radar [WP 1/21].

U.S. airlift delivers to Israel 2 Patriot anti-missile defense systems and U.S. crewmen to operate them. U.S. also sends carrier USS Forrestal to eastern Mediterranean to help Israel should Iraq send war planes at Tel Aviv; Israel says it did not request carrier, and its presence "could only be for purposes unrelated to Israel" [IDF 1/20 in FBIS 1/23; NYT, LAT, WT, WP 1/21].

Beginning visit to Algeria, Yasir Arafat reiterates linkage between Gulf war and Palestinian issue; calls for Arabs to stop fighting each other [AVP, AGS 1/20 in FBIS 1/22].

Saddam Hussein replies to Pres. Gorbachev's 1/18 letter; says U.S. committed aggression, that Pres. Bush has grudge against Arabs [INA 1/21 in FBIS 1/22].

Saddam Hussein says he has decided to release all foreigners held hostage in Iraq and Kuwait; Bush admin. welcomes move, but reiterates that no concessions will be made and that Iraq must leave Kuwait [BADS 12/6 in FBIS 12/6; MEM 12/6; NYT, LAT, WT, WP, CSM 12/7; MET 12/18].

In Brussels Sec. Cheney asks NATO allies for additional troops, weapons, and money for Gulf buildup [LAT, WP 12/7; NYT 12/8].

General strike called for by Islamic Jihad is observed in o.t., selected Palestinian villages are placed under curfew in anticipation of intifada anniversary (cf. 12/7) [FJ 12/10].

Sec. Baker arrives in Moscow for talks with Pres. Gorbachev, F.M. Shevardnadze about possible Soviet backing of UN Sec. Council resolution authorizing use of force against Iraq [WP, NYT 11/8].

After meeting with former W. German chancellor Willy Brandt, Saddam orders release of 100 German hostages and 20 more Europeans and Americans [WP 11/8].

Israeli officials says their gov't feels increasingly sure Israel will be drawn into any armed conflict in Gulf and is disturbed because there is no agreement with U.S. about how the 2 nations will coordinate military operations [WP 11/8].

Japanese P.M. Toshiki Kaifu, yielding to deep anti-military feelings in Japan, gives up his effort to pass legislation authorizing dispatch of Japanese troops to Gulf [WP 11/8].

Pres. Mubarak says international coalition allied against Iraq should wait "at least 2 to 3 more months" to determine whether economic sanctions will force Saddam out of Kuwait, and warns Iraqi leader that if he does not remove his troops, war would be inevitable [NYT 11/8].

GCC ministers end 3d extraordinary meeting held in Jeddah; issue statement condemning Iraq's invasion of Kuwait [SPA 11/7 in FBIS 11/8].

Thousands of Israelis turn out for Meir Kahane's funeral in Jerusalem, hundred seek revenge by rampaging through downtown streets breaking shop windows and beating Palestinian bystanders [JDS 11/7 in FBIS 11/8; WP 11/8]. 

Iraqi troops invade Kuwait, take over country; attack comes less than 24 hours after 2 countries had broken off talks over Iraqi demands for territorial and financial concessions [MEM, WP, WT 8/2; WP, WT, NYT 8/3].

Invasion evokes swift condemnation from U.S., Western allies, Japan, and USSR. UN Sec. Council resolution condemns invasion. Israel calls for economic sanctions against Iraq and D.M. Arens says Israel will not tolerate any movement of Iraqi troops into Jordan [WP, WT, NYT, LAT 8/3].

Most Arab capitals ignore Kuwait's appeal for support, and urge foreign powers not to act so as to provide time for Arab diplomatic solution [WP 8/ 3]; Arab League foreign ministers hold emergency meeting in Cairo [MENA 8/2 in FBIS 8/2; MEM 8/3].

Following intense debate, Israeli gov't. adopts emergency plan to import 9,000 prefabricated houses and 5,000 trailer homes to ease severe housing shortage. Plan also allows for private entrepreneurs to import 6,000 more prefabricated houses by year's end [JDS 8/2 in FBIS 8/ 8; WP 8/3].

Semi-official Egyptian daily al-Ahram prints editorial warning that Egypt will take drastic measures if UNLU does not withdraw call no. 60 statement that Egypt is a U.S. puppet [MEM 8/2].

Israeli military helicopters strafe Shiite positions in al-Rashidiyah camp near Tyre, according to UNIFIL [JDS 8/2 in FBIS 8/3]. 

Casualties:

IDF new appeals committee in Ansar prison in South Lebanon, has considered 1,000 cases, recommended release of 50 which must be approved by Northern Commander General Amir Drori; bulldozers begin removing rubble from Martyr's Square in downtown Beirut in $450 million first stage of 5 year rehabilitation plan.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Interior Ministry stops issuing permits for Israeli tourists to visit Lebanon due to security situation, Lebanese citizens may enter Israel without restrictions, but Palestinians need special permit as some have visited relatives and not returned to Lebanon; Central Bureau of Statistics publishes 1982 inflation rate at 131.5%, second highest ever, and trade deficit at $3 billion, an increase of 18%o; head of Israeli Olympic committee and Hapoel Games Iaaac Ofek says athletes from Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Venezuela, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Kenya, Ivory Coast, and Zaire will participate in Hapoel Games in May; Tourism Minister Avraham Sharir at Israel Bonds meeting in Paris says invasion of Lebanon prompted to prevent nonaggression pact PLO sought with Israel through US diplomatic channels, amends statement to cease-fire rather than nonaggression after controversy arises in Israel and Sheli Party demands resignation of Government, but Likud MK Benny Shalita confirms IDF said before invasion that PLO wanted non-aggression pact.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat goes to Iraq to talk with Saddam Hussein; US envoy Habib arrives in Beirut to speed up negotiations, suggesting first stage of withdrawal of troops to begin on Feb. 12.

Arab Governments: Arab League Secretary General Chedli Klibi in Bonn meeting with Chancellor Helmut Kohl and Foreign Minister Hans Dietrich Genscher, calls on West Germany and its European allies to recognize the PLO and press for the establishment of a Palestinian state. US and Other Countries: Angolan news agency ANGOP says Israeli experts are training UNITA troops in northern Namibia.

UN: Secretary General Perez de Cuellar says Lebanon seeks to expand role of UNIFIL, calls for renewal of UNIFIL mandate, (UNIFIL troops now excluded from Sidon and Tyre), expresses concern over $152 million shortfall in UNIFIL financing.

Military Action:

Druze militia barricade roads, fight Phalange in aftermath of yesterday's attempted assassination of Druze leader Walid Jumblatt; Gemayel meets Jumblatt seeking to end new fighting; Israeli sources report new Soviet jets and tanks pouring into Syria; IDF patrol attacked with grenades near Shuweifat.

Casualties:

Shops close in West Beirut as Jumblatt and Druze allies bury bodyguard killed in yesterday's carbombing (3 others reported killed, 28 wounded); UNRWA says 11 employees seized by Lebanese Army in past few weeks, another 1 12 Palestinian employees detained by IDF in South Lebanon; IDF release 240 from Ansar camp (number of detainees at camp now put at 15,000); 2 detainees killed, 4 wounded at Ansar when security officer's gun "discharges accidentally."

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israel charges Israeli Army reservist Yitzhak Shor with flying secretly to Damascus, passing information on IDF troops positions and own service to Syrians; Israeli journalists report Israel to sell $18 m. in arms to Zaire to double Mobutu's palace guard.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: President Gemayel makes "urgent appeal" to the US through Draper to pressure Israel to withdraw from Chouf, seeks to deploy units of Lebanese Army in area.

Arab Governments: King Hussein and foreign ministers of 5 Arab governments meet with Soviet leader Andropov (is first known visit by Saudi envoy to USSR); Mubarak says Habib seeks simultaneous withdrawal of all armies by end of month.

US and Other Countries: Habib discusses Lebanon's request to expand multinational peacekeeping force with Italian foreign minister Emilio Colombo in Rome; NATO communique says US, on consultation with allies, should take action outside north Atlantic region to protect vital Western interests, including Mideast.

UN: US withholds regular $20.5 m. contribution to UNRWA pending report on use of schools as PLO training bases.