U.S. BEGINS PULLOUT OF NON-ESSENTIAL STAFF FROM MIDEAST

WASHINGTON [MENL] -- The United States has launched an effort to withdrawnon-essential government personnel from the Middle East. Officials said the effort is meant to avoid Arab or Islamic reprisals onU.S. personnel over the next few months amid tension in the Persian Gulf andMiddle East region. They said U.S. intelligence agencies have warned that AlQaida and Iraq could intensify attacks on U.S. nationals to foil anyWashington-led war against Baghdad.