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February 02
US can't guarantee victory in the Gulf
US Defence Secretary Harold Brown told Congress the Pentagon could not guarantee a military victory in the Arabian Gulf. He said: "We can't assure you we can win a war there, but to cast doubt on our ability to deter or to fight effectively is damaging to US security."
Angry Madrid cuts ties after Guatemala fire
The Government of Premier Adolfo Suarez decided to break diplomatic relations with Guatemala because of an attack by Guatemalan police on the Spanish Embassy. A government statement accused Guatemala of breaking international law by permitting the attack in which 36 Guatemalans and two Spanish diplomats died.
February 03
Turkey readies for 'all-out war'
Turkey ordered military instruction for all children from the age of seven "to meet the requirements of an all-out war." Announcing the unprecedented move, it was aimed at "protecting the Turkish Republic against all kinds of assault, to reinforce the innate consciousness of national defence among our youth to meet the requirements of an all-out war."
Iran students call for mass protests
Militant students occupying the US Embassy, fearing a political compromise with Washington to secure the release of their American hostages, called for mass demonstrations of solidarity. In a broadcast statement they called on people of every locality of Tehran to march on the occupied compound.
February 04
Signs of thaw in Iran-US crisis
The US-Iran hostage crisis appeared to lean towards some kind of a solution as Iranian President-elect Abolhassan Bani-Sadr said he would like to free the Americans held hostage in Tehran. However, United Nations efforts to resolve the deadlock are still blocked by differences about what would happen to the captives while a proposed international commission probed against the deposed Shah, UN officials cautioned.
February 05
Bani-Sadr takes office amid doubt over his powers
Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini officially launched Abolhassan Bani-Sadr on his mission as Iran's first-ever president, but left in doubt just how much the 46-year-old economist would be able to use his new position in the coming weeks. Bani-Sadr launched his four-year term with a vow to "fill the world with revolutions." The ceremony appointing the new President took place in a simple room in a Tehran hospital, where Khomeini is recuperating from a heart ailment.
Delma island to be giant oil terminal
President His Highness Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan ordered the development of Delma island as a new oil terminal cum harbour complex. Shaikh Zayed declared that work on this $750 million project would start immediately. The multi-purpose Delma complex will have facilities for landing containers and oil tanks. It will serve three oil fields of Al Satteh, Jurnin and Delma.
February 06
Paris shuts Libya office
France recalled its Embassy staff from Libya where its mission was set ablaze during a demonstration against French military aid to neighbouring Tunisia. The French Consulate in Benghazi was ransacked in a similar demonstration. France had 10 full diplomatic staff in Tripoli.
February 07
Major gas strike
A major gas find, the first in the Sharjah and with a preliminary output capacity of 15 million cubic feet per day, has been discovered offshore.
February 08
War if Russians enter Mideast
Saudi Arabia's Oil Minister Shaikh Zaki Yamani (right) warned Moscow that it would mean World War III if Russia moves against Middle East oil fields because of expected shortages in Eastern Europe in the second half of this decade.
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