Around the World

Iraq's neighbors fear possible U.S. attack

Jordan, Turkey and Iran again may have to deal with huge waves of refugees, as they did - with almost no international help - during the 1990 Persian Gulf crisis and 1991 Gulf War.

Along with Syria, they have important trade links with Iraq. And all are watching with dismay as foreign tourists cancel reservations for what had been expected to be a lucrative spring season.

Only Kuwait, which hasn't forgiven Saddam for his 1990 invasion of the country, has offered to support an American-led military campaign.

Neighboring Saudi Arabia, which participated with the U.S. led coalition that ended Iraq's occupation of Kuwait, won't even allow its military bases to be used this time. Neither will Jordan or Turkey.

None wants to get dragged into a conflict that most certainly would spread if Iraq retaliates by firing Scuds or other missiles at Israel - and Israel, as promised, responds with greater force.

Illegal immigrants try to enter U.S.

Arriving in South America as tourists, they sneak through the Amazon jungle to Colombia to obtain forged Central American visas. With those visas, they are less likely to be stopped. Then they connect with the well-established smuggling routes through Central America and Mexico to the United States.

02-16-98