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(DOD Release 9 DEC 90)

~ovember 19
Monday --- Iraq announces that it will send 250,000 more troops to bolster its army in Kuwait and
southern Iraq thereby increasing its total number of forces in the area to about 680,000. This move is
seen as a response to President Bush's earlier announcement that he would add 200,000 more American
troops to the Persian Gulf buildup. Pentagon officials state that while many of the new Iraqi troops
would be reservists, up to 100,000 could come from relatively well-trained forces guarding borders with
Turkey and Iran. (New York Times, November 20, p. Al.)

In a two hour meeting with President Gorbachev, President Bush fails to win Soviet support for a
U.N. resolution sanctioning the use of force to drive Iraq out of Kuwait. President Bush and Gorbachev
agreed that the U.N. Security Council should continue its debate. (New York Times, November 20, p.
Al.)

A recent New York Times/CBS poll shows Americans growing wary of the situation in the Persian
Gulf.

August 1990 November 1990

Percent of Americans who expect 39 51
the U.S.to end up fighting
against Iraq.

Percent who say President Bush 34 51
has not explained clearly
enough why the U.S. is sending
troops to Saudi Arabia.

Percent who say the Bush 38 47
Administration has been too quick
to get American military forces
involved rather than seeking
diplomatic solutions.

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