From what I see, the public is a bit divided on this issue. After September 12, I think many more here in the states will be onboard when president Bush in a UN address will present highlights of recent intelligence. Scary stuff I am told.
Unfortunately I dont have access to raw intelligence, however from what I have gleaned from my personal sources that do, Iraq, in the last 14 months or so has become more of a threat then they were over the last several years. Why? I am told it is because they have regained much of their lost weapon capability and also because of what they retained after the gulf war ended. Most people dont know this but before the gulf war, Iraq had a fully functioning atomic bomb casing. This is a very complex device but is useless without a fissionable payload. Before the gulf war, the only thing they needed to complete this weapon was enough fuel. They had some, but not enough.
One of the problems with Iraq is not their possession of nuclear or biological weapons, its their propensity to use them against their neighbors and those they have ideological differences with, i.e. Israel.
Many nations retain nuclear and some even have chemical and biological capability. However all nations to date have shown that the nuke, chemical and biological option is reserved as a very LAST option. Not so with Iraq. Is their anyone that seriously questions the fact that if Saddam has them he will use them, and that if he cant deliver them to his target, he will put them in the hands of those that can?
I pose this question; why are so many supposed supporters of the UN and its past sanctioned actions in Iraq now allowing virtually every important resolution of the UN signed with the Iraq government to continue to be flouted? Even the UN itself seems very reluctant to enforce its own resolutions. If it doesnt enforce it own resolutions, then exactly what is their function and why must my taxes pay for their continued existence?
One last point, the cessation of hostilities is a result of a surrender agreement, much of which the Iraqi government is now in clear violation of. So exactly what is to be done about that, nothing?
The credibility of all UN member nations and the UN itself is now on the line, and I question why other nations seem unprepared to put actions to their words and written agreements. I hate the thought of war, but I sincerely hope it will not be the US and possibly a reluctant Britain be the only nations to stand up once again. And shame on you all if it is.
Freeman
Edited by - freeman on 10 September 2002 9:54:31
Edited by - freeman on 10 September 2002 9:56:52