DATE=8/13/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U.S. - IRAQ POLICY (S-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-252771
BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE
DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:

INTRO:  The Clinton administration is reported to be 
considering stepping up its air campaign over Iraq as 
a way to strengthen efforts to contain the threat 
posed by Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein to his neighbors.  
The move comes amid growing Congressional criticism of 
the low-scale bombing operation the United States has 
conducted over the past eight months.  Correspondent 
Deborah Tate reports from the White House.

Text:  The New York Times (newspaper) Friday quotes 
unnamed senior U.S. officials as saying some in the 
administration are pushing for a broader and more 
punishing bombing campaign over Iraq.

U.S. and British planes have conducted a low-scale 
bombing operation in response to Iraqi provocations 
over the last eight months during their patrols of  
the northern and southern parts of the country.  But 
the Times says the campaign has done  nothing  to curb 
the attacks from Iraqi gunners, and there does  not  
appear to be any end in sight to the allied mission.

In a similar vein, a letter sent the President this 
week from a bipartisan group of lawmakers criticizes 
what they call "a continued drift" in U.S. policy 
toward Iraq, and warns there is considerable evidence 
that Baghdad continues to seek to develop and acquire 
weapons of  mass destruction.

When asked about the Times article and the lawmakers' 
letter, National Security Council spokesman David 
Leavy defended U.S. policy -- calling it "tough," and 
saying Saddam Hussein has  never  been more isolated.  
But he did not comment on any plans to intensify the 
air campaign.   (Signed)

NEB/DAT/DAG/WTW



13-Aug-1999 13:08 PM EDT (13-Aug-1999 1708 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.