BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) -- In a significant departure from previous years and under the threat of U.S. military action, Iraq did little Friday to mark the 12th anniversary of its invasion of Kuwait, an act that triggered the 1991 Gulf War.

In years past, radio stations played patriotic songs and newspapers published tough editorials, but this year Iraq's state-run media were free of any reference to the Aug. 2, 1990, invasion, seven-month occupation of Kuwait or the subsequent Gulf War that routed Iraq's military.

The reason for that blackout was unclear, but it comes as the United States considers options -- including a military strike -- to oust Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. It also follows a recent Iraqi approach to the United Nations on the sensitive subject of the return of weapons inspectors. [...]