1981, June 7 . Israel launches air attack against Iraqi nuclear facilites. 1982, June14 . King Fahd assumes power in Saudi Arabia following the death of King Khalid. 1984, April .
Attacks begin on tankers in the Persian Gulf.
1987, May 17 . Iraq attacks U.S.S. Stark, killing 37 U.S. sailors. Hussein orders use of chemical weapons on Kurds. 1988, August . Iran-Iraq war ends.