Countdown Iraq.

• Position: Chronology - Illustration

A countdown began Nov. 8, when the UN Security Council gave Iraq a "final opportunity" to rid itself of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons.

UN inspectors must verify that the weapons are gone, the council said, or Iraq will face "serious consequences"--almost surely meaning American-led military action.

The UN ordered its arms inspectors to resume work within 45 days (no later than Dec. 23). It ordered the inspectors to report on the status of Iraq's disarmament 60 days after that (no later than Feb. 21).

What's next? That depends on Iraq. Upfront's time line shows how Iraq has reacted to pressure in the past.

time line * 1990 Operation Desert Shield Aug. 2 Iraq Invades Kuwait and seizes oil fields. Iraqi troops mobilize along Saudi Arabia border. Aug. 7 Iraq refuses to pull out of Kuwait, President George Bush commits U.S. forces to protect Saudi Arabia (Operation Desert Shield). * 1991 Operation Desert Storm January Multinational coalition, led by U.S., assembles about 670,000 troops in region; more than 500,000 are American. Jan. 15 UN Security Council appeals to Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait; gets no response. Jan. 17 Coalition warplanes launch attacks on Iraqi targets (Operation Desert Storm). Air-war campaign will last 38 days. Jan. 25 Iraq begins "environmental war," pumping millions of gallons of crude oil into Persian Gull; called largest oil spill in history. Feb. 23 Up to 700 oil wells in Kuwait set on fire by Iraqis. Feb. 24 Ground war begins; it will last 100 hours. Feb. 27 Coalition forces announce liberation of Kuwait. Feb. 28 Cease-fire takes effect. Estimated Iraqi losses: up to 100,000 troops. U.S. battle losses: 148. March 2 UN Security Council tells Iraq It must stop military action, destroy weapons of mass destruction, and cooperate with UN arms Inspectors. March 3 Shiite Muslims In southern Iraq begin revolt, followed by Kurds in north; both insurrections crushed. Coalition eventually designates safe havens for both groups and bans Iraqi aircraft from those areas ("no-fly zones"). July 30 UN weapons Inspectors report Iraqi efforts to conceal nuclear weapons program. * 1993 More Missiles Fly January U.S. accuses Iraq of moving missiles into southern Iraq. Coalition forces attack missile sites and a nuclear facility. June U.S. fires cruise missiles at Iraqi intelligence center after discovering plot to assassinate former President Bush In Kuwait in April. * 1996 Operation Desert Strike Aug. 31 Iraqi troops seize...