VOL. XXXI

NO. 13

4-JANUARY-1988

The Middle East Situation

The pressure-gauge has continued to mount steadily in the Gulf, with Iranreportedly pressing ahead with preparations for its new ground offensive, whileattacks by the two sides took an unprecedentedly high toll of Gulf shippingduring December. Moscow is under growing pressure, especially from themoderate Arabs, to support a UN move to impose an arms embargo on Iran. WithEgypt's President Mubarak about to tour the GCC states, Cairo's role...