24 - 30 October 2002 Issue No. 609 Editorial	Current issue Previous issue Site map
Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875		Recommend this page

Mixed messages

Sparing the Iraqi people from the US military's intentions requires intensive efforts by both officials and the general public throughout the world.

It is true that in response to massive public and official opposition to its war plans, the US administration agreed that a new UN Security Council resolution would not authorise a US military mission to accompany UN arms inspectors. Added to this, the US's draft resolution does not include any language authorising the automatic use of force against Iraq if the chief UN inspector declares Baghdad to be uncooperative.

But any hope that can be derived from these actions is tempered by US Secretary of State Colin Powell's persistence in speaking of the US president's right to pursue military action against Iraq without backing from the UN Security Council. It is worrisome that such words come from the man viewed by several capitals including Arab ones as the most dovish member of the US administration.

The debate in the Security Council is not over yet, though. French diplomats are still expressing reservations about the US draft.

Meanwhile, Chief UN Inspector Hans Blix's statements about the possibility of averting a war are contradicted by those of King Abdullah of Jordan who argues that the chances in this respect are very slim.

And if actions speak louder than words, it is noteworthy that the US and UN still have not permitted international arms inspectors to return to Iraq. But, perhaps most telling of all is that additional US troops are headed to the Gulf, as US officials allude to assurances of military cooperation by various countries in the region.

To avert the looming tragedy what is required, then, is for more protests in European and US cities. More political leaders, must warn against the havoc that will be unleashed by a strike against Iraq. But most important of all, Arab states need to show more resolve against facilitating an Anglo-American attack against Iraq, particularly if this attack is to be launched in the absence of authorisation by the Security Council.

Send a letter to the Editor Recommend this page

Egypt | Region | International | Economy | Interview | Opinion | Letters Culture | Features | Living | Heritage | Sports | Profile | People | Time Out | Chronicles | Cartoons | Crossword

ARCHIVES Letter from the Editor Editorial Board Subscription Advertise!

WEEKLY ONLINE: weekly.ahram.org.eg Updated every Thursday at 20.00 GMT, 10 pm local time weeklyweb@ahram.org.eg

Al-Ahram Organisation