GULF WATCH: Day 66 : A daily briefing paper on developments in the crisis.
Military Front:
U.S. forces deployed to the Persian Gulf will stay as long as necessary, said Defense Secretary Dick Cheney, adding that there is no deadline or timetable for launching a possible attack.
The U.S. military buildup in the gulf is virtually complete, with the last shipments of heavy armor expected to reach Saudi Arabia by the end of the week, according to military officials.
Terrorism Front:
The State Department advised U.S. citizens to avoid traveling to the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip because of tensions in the region. It also warned travelers to the Middle East, South Asia and North Africa of possible demonstrations.
Diplomatic Front:
The exiled leaders of Kuwait have invited 450 prominent citizens of the occupied nation to attend a three-day session in Saudi Arabia next weekend to discuss the kind of country they will rebuild if Iraqi forces pull out.
Operation Desert Shield Requisitions:
* Food: $293 million
* Clothing and textiles: $214 million
* Medical supplies: $56 million
* Total purchases: $563 million
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
