Communists seize on al-Malki's assassination for political gain against Anglo-American policies.

King Saud's visit to Syria sparks conversations among Syrian politicians regarding American involvement and the Fertile Crescent Project.

America sends warships into Syrian territorial waters, and regional powers calibrate their postures.

The CIA’s National Intelligence Daily for 12 August 1989 describes the latest developments in Lebanon, Iran, Syria, Somalia, the Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, South Africa, Ecuador, Namibia, and Cuba.