VOL. XLI

No. 05

2 February 1998

The Political Scene

The Americans have launched an intensive diplomatic campaign which looks very muchlike the prelude to military action against Iraq, prompting the Russians to send theirdeputy foreign minister to Baghdad in an attempt to forestall hostilities. Israel remainedon the sidelines of the current crisis until some indiscreet remarks by UNSCOM headRichard Butler abruptly raised its profile. The Palestinian track remains gridlockeddespite President...