GULF WATCH: Day 105 : A Daily Briefing Paper On Developments In The Crisis
Political Front:
President Bush assured members of Congress that war with Iraq is not imminent and that he is willing to give economic sanctions more time to work. But he declined to promise to seek prior congressional approval of any military offensive, lawmakers said.
Key Republican congressmen said the bipartisan consensus supporting the President’s gulf policies has been restored. Military Front:
Defense Secretary Dick Cheney authorized the mobilization of 72,500 more reservists, bringing the total authorized to 125,000. So far, 35,562 reservists have been called to active duty as part of Operation Desert Shield.
Iraqi planes have stepped up reconnaissance missions near the Saudi border in an apparent response to the American military buildup in the gulf, according to U.S. and Saudi officials. Diplomatic Front:
Secretary of State James A. Baker III plans to meet in Europe this weekend with foreign ministers from several members of the U.N. Security Council to seek support for a proposed resolution that would authorize use of force against Iraq if sanctions fail. Authorized Military Reserve Call-Ups:
Army reserves 80,000 up 55,000
Air Force reserves 20,000 up 5,500
Marine reserves 15,000 up 12,000
Navy reserves 10,000 up 3,700
Coast Guard reserves 1,250 no change
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