MIDEAST UPDATE

The Associated Press reported that in the six years before Iraq invaded Kuwait, the Commerce Department approved exports to Iraq of $1.5 billion in equipment with potential military uses by 750 American companies. The exports included emulsion explosives, nuclear power equipment, lasers, computer equipment, aircraft supplies and chemical materials, according to documents obtained from congressional sources.

Karl Kolb, a German company under investigation for allegedly helping Iraq produce poison gas, said it would go out of business. The firm’s managing director has been in custody since August, although no charges have been filed.

Pan American World Airways eased its restrictions against Iraqi passengers by agreeing to accept those who have U.S. passports or permanent resident alien status. The National Emergency Civil Liberties Committee had filed a federal lawsuit against Pan Am last week on behalf of an Iraqi refugee, contending that the airline discriminated by refusing to sell him a ticket.