A disappointing failure

Iraq says:

Our country is ready to receive any scientific experts, accompanied by politicians you choose to represent any one of your countries, to tell us which places and scientific installations they would wish to see.

Ari Fleischer responds:

The Iraqi statement as a "disappointing failure in every respect."

True. The Iraqi statement is a disappointment to an administration which has staked its entire presidency on an Iraq invasion. It's a disappointment to administration efforts to paint Iraq as uncooperative. It's a disappointment to Neocons who want to reshape the region to better suit US interests.

Iraq capitulates to US demands, and ITS A DISAPPOINTING FAILURE in EVERY aspect?????? Aaaargh!!!!

So despite Iraq's complete acquiescence to the inspections issue, Bush's war plans continue unimpeded. He has proposed Congress pass the following resolution authorizing him to wage war:

The president is authorized to use all means that he determines to be appropriate, including force, in order to enforce the United Nations Security Council resolutions, defend the national security interests of the United States against the threat posed by Iraq, and restore international peace and security in the region.

I don't have the time or energy to critique the proposed resolution right now, but suffice it to say, its final version should require the US to seek UN Security Council authorization. A resolution allowing a unilateral and unprovoked declaration of war against a distant nation would be reprehensible.

After 9-11, the case for war was so compelling, so self-evident, that the US had little trouble rallying world support for the attack. If the evidence against Iraq is just as strong, then the US should be able to muster the security council votes. If the evidence is lacking, then so is any justification for war.

Posted September 19, 2002 02:32 PM | Comments (4)