File: 082696_d50028_111.txt
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against Iraq. (New York Times, January 14, p. A9.)

Secretary of State Baker pronounces all of the anti-Iraq allies, except Syria, in the Persian Gulf ready
to take the offensive against Iraq. (Washington Times, January 14, p. 1.)

Israel pledges to strike Iraq only if attacked first despite its designation as Iraq's first target in a war.
(Washington Times, January 14, p. 7.)

Guard and reserve unit personnel activated to support Operation Desert Shield as of 13 JAN:

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(DOD Release 20 JAN 91]

January 14
Monday --- Both U.S. and Iraq gird for war as hopes for a peaceful settlement to the Persian Gulf
crisis fade. In Baghdad, Iraq's Parliament votes unanimously to follow Saddam Hussein into battle with
the United States over the invasion of Kuwait on August 2. In Washington, a senior Administration
official says that only a miracle could prevent a war now. (New York Times, January 15, p. Al.)

The European Community has dropped its plans to begin a diplomatic effort of its own, but the
French refuse to give up and French Foreign Minister Roland Dumas was reported to be planning an
11th hour trip to Baghdad. At the U.N., France and several Arab allies open an effort to persuade the
United Nations to back a six-point plan including a promise to begin a new drive to resolve the
Palestinian issue after an Iraqi withdrawal. The U.S. opposes the plan. Earlier, Secretary General Perez
de Cuellar announced the failure of his mission to Baghdad. (New York Times, January 15, p. Al.)

American intelligence reports say the Iraqis have tightened their defensive positions in Kuwait and
increased their aircraft training in preparation for war. (New York Times, January 15, p. Al.)

A CBS NEWS/New York Times poll shows that 55 % of Americans believe President Bush has done
everything he should to avoid war, while 36% believe he should be doing more. (New York Times,
January 15, p. Al.)

Port Security for U.S. military equipment arriving by sea in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia is being
provided by three Coast Guard Reserve detachments. (Navy Times, January 14, p. 18.)

January iS
Tuesday --- The White House says that it is reaching a "point of decision" for war and officials are
weighing exactly when to give the order to fight if there is no move by Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait.
The Administration expresses little hope for further diplomacy and leads an effort at the U.N. to quash
an 11th hour peace proposal by France. (New York Times, January 16, p. Al.)

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