February 4, 2000

The Other Chechen Conflict Two struggles are under way in Chechnya: one between the Russian military and rebels, and a more subtle tussle between the Russian high command and the media. PAGE A8 Deadlock in Mideast Israeli and Palestinian leaders ended a summit meeting in frustration, still far from bridging gaps on the final issues that stand between them and a permanent peace. PAGE A3

Britain moves to suspend power-sharing government in Northern Ireland by next week, but says it will intensify efforts to get paramilitary groups to begin disarming before using that authority; Northern Ireland Sec Peter Mandelson, speaking to somber session of House of Commons, says he will introduce emergency legislation to establish power to shut down two-month-old government and restore direct rule from London (M)

Chaos swept through the bond market as traders and investors tried to make sense of a spectacular and damaging 3 percent rise in the prices of longer-term Treasuries. Traders said that losses were surely large at many institutions.

Autos on Friday column by Fred Brock recommends recently published books with automotive bent; photo (M)

State Health Dept fines Beth Israel Medical Center $14,000 and orders it to improve its oversight of doctors after inquiry into Dr Allan Zarkin, obstetrician who carved his initials into belly of patient, Dr Liana Gedz; it is one of harshest rebukes against New York hospital in recent years; department revokes Zarkin's license (M)