"We have gone the extra mile to obtain compliance by peaceful
means," Clinton said in a Veterans Day speech at Arlington
National Cemetery.

"We continue to hope — indeed pray — that Saddam will
comply" with United Nations weapons inspections, the President
said. "But we must be prepared to act if he does not."

U.S. saber-rattling sent the UN Security Council into an
emergency session last night, as Secretary General Kofi Annan
appealed to the Iraqi leader to let UN weapons inspectors do their
job.

The buildup of military might announced by
Defense Secretary William Cohen — another
129 warplanes, 3,000 troops and two more
Patriot anti-missile batteries — will roughly
double American strength in the region. The
planes include 18 B-52 and B-1 bombers and
12 radar-avoiding F-117A stealth jets.

The aircraft carrier Eisenhower is in place, and
a second carrier — the Enterprise — is en
route.

As the U.S. prepared for possible air strikes, Saddam met with his
cabinet and military commanders. He showed no sign of backing
down.

The crisis has been building for two weeks, since Baghdad halted
cooperation with UN inspectors, whose mission is to keep
weapons of mass destruction out of Saddam's hands.

In Baghdad, most people seemed resigned to a U.S.-led attack.

Residents and shopkeepers began taping windows late last night in
anticipation of bombing, but there were no signs of evacuation.

Earlier, produce markets buzzed with activity, barbershops were
busy, and men played backgammon and dominos in cafes.

Some were defiant. "Let the Americans come," one man said over
a backgammon board.

The timing of a possible U.S. attack was unclear. It was expected
to take two weeks for the new forces ordered into the region to
arrive.

In other signs of the deepening crisis:

More than 200 UN weapons inspectors were evacuated
from Baghdad, while UN workers there reinforced a
headquarters building against potential bomb damage.

The State Department said U.S. citizens should consider
leaving Kuwait, Israel and Palestinian areas in light of the
growing tension.

U.S. and British authorities reduced staff and ordered
dependents out of Kuwait, Iraq's neighbor. The 3,000
Army troops heading there would triple the U.S.
ground-force buffer against Iraq repeating its 1990 invasion,
which triggered the Persian Gulf War.

Israel, the target of Scud missiles during the Gulf War,
ordered the army to reopen gas mask distribution centers.

Iraq has demanded a Security Council review of trade sanctions
and the ouster of Richard Butler, head of the inspection force.

Clinton warned that if Iraq did not relent, it "would open a window
of opportunity for Iraq to rebuild its arsenal of weapons and
delivery systems in months."

That, he said, "could embolden Saddam to act recklessly, signaling
to him that he can, with impunity, develop these weapons of mass
destruction or threaten his neighbors."

Two key Arab states, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, oppose U.S.
military action, as does Russia. Clinton's strongest support comes
from Britain.

Chronology

Key dates leading up to the latest stand-off with Iraq:

Nov. 20, 1997 — Iraq accepts a Russian proposal to allow U.S.
arms inspectors to return immediately. Russia says it will work to
have United Nations sanctions lifted.

Jan. 13, 1998 — Iraq blocks a UN weapons inspection team led
by an American by failing to provide the escorts needed to enter
suspected weapons sites.

Jan. 27 — President Clinton intensifies U.S. pressure on Iraq to
open weapons sites, warning strongman Saddam Hussein not to
"defy the will of the world."

June 24 — Iraq admits to experimenting with deadly VX
chemical agent.

Aug. 29 — American Scott Ritter, a top UN weapons inspector,
resigns, saying the Security Council and the U.S. have failed to
stand up toIraq.

Sept. 9 — UN suspends periodic review of trade sanctions on
Iraq.

Sept. 16 — Iraq urges Security Council to reverse its decision on
sanctions review.

Oct. 30 — UN agrees to resume periodic review of sanctions but
says it will not automatically lead to lifting of embargo.

Oct. 31 — Iraq suspends dealings with UN inspectors.

Nov. 11 — The Pentagon sends new firepower to the Persian
Gulf.

-- William Goldschlag - 11/12/98