SYRIA-JORDAN 11th HOUR REPRIEVE

THE MOST VOLATILE MILITARY situation to threaten the Middle East and involve the Gulf states since the Iraqi-Iranian war started only three months ago was defused at the eleventh hour by consorted efforts from both Arab and Western countries. Jordan and Syria were set to do battle along their 360 kilometre border and Syria's President Assad was determined to invade Jordanian territory after his statements that Jordan was harbouring elements dangerous to his regime. Jordan moved up its heavy troops and the two sides were within striking distance before a successful attempt at bringing the warrior nations to heel materialised.