OPINION
(archived January to March 2003)
OpEds
Who Lied to
Whom?
The New Yorker
March 31, 2003.
The American and British Administration’s drive to war is
based on an Iraq-Niger uranium sale dossier.
When the dossier was handed over to the
International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) on March
7, it was refuted and called a blatant forgery.
Any government or intelligence sources from
Washington or London have not disputed Dr. ElBaradei’s
disclosure.
Seymour M. Hersh.
The
Make-Believe war and the Real war
Asia Times
March 29, 2003.
No many government or military officials, or even prominent
media personnel have considered that the Iraqi forces
have taken the lessons of 1991 to heart and are using
the information they learned.
It is a possibility to consider now, as the Iraqi
forces have already lasted longer than expected and are
putting up a worthwhile fight.
Editorial.
Counsellors
of Defeat Speak far too Soon
The Australian
March 29, 2003.
To assume that the Iraq war would have been over in a matter
of days is to consider war he human equivalent of a
video game. The
constant media coverage makes some people believe that
it is not going as planned. If the war takes weeks or months, the most likely outcome is
a US victory.
Editorial.
War Poses a
Double Dilemma for China
International Herald Tribune March 28, 2003.
The war in Iraq has placed China in a delicate position
between North Korea and Taiwan.
Jiang Zemin, China’s senior leader must justify
a pacifist position against the war in Iraq while
persuading North Korea to drop its arms programs or at
least deter them from provoking he Americans during the
Iraq invasion.
Editorial.
A
Role for the U.N. in Iraq’s Future
The New York Times
March 28, 2003.
In a news conference yesterday, Prime Minister Tony Blair and
President George W. Bush renewed their pledge that the
United Nations (UN) would have a role in post war Iraq.
Having entered the war with no international
support, the two leaders are trying to make
reconstruction an international effort.
Editorial.
War’s
Economic Impact
Asahi
March 28, 2003.
Economists have said that a short war resulting in a US
victory will be the best for the economy.
A lengthy battle resulting in a US victory will
hamper trade, investment, and travel but then end of
conflict will boost the economy.
The effect that economists fail to mention is the
possible danger that US-centred globalization may face.
Editorial.
They
are Fighting for Their Independence, not Saddam
The Guardian
March 27, 2003.
The Anglo-American war is the most flagrant act of aggression
carried out by a modern British government.
This assault has been carried out without the
consent of the UN or international law and without
provocation. The
militaries have met Iraqi resistance, contrary to
government opinion before the invasion and although
officials claim that this resistance is support for
Saddam Hussein, the truth is no one wants to be occupied
by a foreign power.
Editorial.
The
Palestinization of Iraq
Asia Times
March 27, 2003.
As the Arab World is against the US-led invasion of Iraq,
they are raising the Iraqi’s for putting u a fight and
showing resistance to the invaders.
It is the opinion of the Arabs that every day the
war lasts is another slap in the face to the Pentagon,
and that as had as they try the Americans will not take
Baghdad.
Editorial.
A
Different Strategy for Saddam
Haaretz
March 26, 2003.
Anyone who predicted a short lightening war resulting in an
American victory in few days must feel disappointed. People often think of a victory in terms of the 1991 war,
which began with 4 days of bombing before troops were
sent in to battle.
This war is different than the last and once the
troops reach Baghdad, a different strategy is
required.
Editorial.
A
Change of Course in Iraq
The New York Times
March 26, 2003.
Allied forces have had to alter their war plans slightly, as
the road to Baghdad has found more resistance than
expected and the road behind the forces requires some
more repairs, cleaning and security.
Editorial.
Saddam,
King of Terror, Must be Disarmed
Australian Jewish News
March 26, 2003.
In recent debates over the war in Iraq, many people have
forgotten what is the biggest threat in the world today,
international and chemical terrorism.
Saddam Hussein has been knee-deep in terrorism
and the use of weapons of mass destruction since he came
to power in 1979. He
is therefore a threat to global security and must be
disarmed.
Editorial.
When
Women go to War
The Washington Post
March 26, 2003.
There is no longer an argument about women going to war.
In his Iraq War, women make up approximately one
sixth of the US armed forces. It has been made clear this week that women are not only able
to serve in combat, but they can also be prisoners of
war.
Anne Applebaum after returning fro 16
years in Europe, she joined the Post editorial board in
2002.
Pacheco
Blames Hussein, Backs US Other Leaders Call for Peace
The Tico Times
March 26, 2003.
President Pacheco and Foreign Minister Roberto Tovar of Costa
Rica have expressed their vocation for peace and
neutrality and have offered support for the US-led
offensive.
One
Rule for Them
The Guardian
March 25, 2003.
Article 13 of the third Geneva Convention, concerning the
treatment of prisoners, makes it illegal to show
Prisoners of War in a humiliating manner.
Donald Rumsfeld was quick to point this out when
five Americans were paraded on Iraqi television, however
he has failed to account for his prison cam in
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
George Monbiot, Guardian columnist and
broadcaster.
An
Abuse of Armed Forces
Juneau Empire
March 24, 2003.
The US government has convinced many Americans that a war in
Iraq is necessary.
Whether this is to stop terrorism or it is a
personal Bush-Hussein vendetta, he public has been duped
by officials to believe a justification for war.
Editorial.
The
fog of war Envelops us all
The Seattle Times
March 21, 2003
The fog of war is a term of art for the battlefield.
Loosely translated it refers to the rules of war,
or lack thereof. In
wartime, misdirection and quick decisions is a key
component to any attack.
Just as important, is the use of deception to
attain one’s own goals.
Editorial.
The
Canadian Alliance Refuses to be Neutral
The National Post
March 21, 2003.
As the world is at war under a
key allied American and British force, Prime Minister
Jean Chretien is opposed to joining this coalition.
The Canadian Alliance supports the allied
position and refuses to remain neutral on his issue.
Stephen Harper is leader of the Canadian
Alliance and leader of the Opposition in the House of
Commons.
Shocked,
Awed and Grateful
LA Times
March 21, 2003.
The Pentagon’s “shock and awe” military doctrine will
equal approximately one bomb or missile hitting Baghdad
every minute. In
the end of this strategy, it is expected that he shocked
and awed Iraqi’s will welcome the American soldiers as
their liberators.
Editorial.
A war
of Whores
Mail and Guardian Online
March 21, 2003.
The world’s hyperpower says that there is going to be a
war, so there will be.
The reasons behind the war can be unclear, but
the overarching opinion in Johannesburg is that this is
a war of whores. Whores
dazzled by financial gain and American power and
prestige.
Editorial.
Speaking
out in Wartime
The Washington Post
March 21, 2003.
Democratic Senators and elected officials are publicly
speaking out against the war, in he even that it goes
wrong or that President Bush is wrong on this account.
Right or wrong, the president deserves support or
at least more people preparing for things to go right
rather than wrong in the war.
Editorial.
The war
Begins
International Herald Tribune March 21, 2003.
As the firing has started in Iraq, and the mission of troops
is clear, the public cannot help but wonder what’s
next? From
the first shot to the last, people will stand by and
wonder where the Presidents and Prime Ministers that
govern them, will go from here and what the long term
effects and consequences will be.
Editorial.
Now
Bush’s Doctrine of war Will be put to the Test
The Guardian
March 21, 2003.
The doctrine of pre-emption is now being tested.
Bush’s doctrine, which also places importance
on military over non-military solutions and advances
unilateral decisions, will be in competition with
popular opinion and justification over the coming
months.
Martin Woollacott
is a columnist for the Guardian.
Permitted
and Prohibited Targets in Iraq
Haaretz
March 21, 2003.
With the ultimate intention of regime change and rebuilding
Iraq after the war, this conflict will not repeat the
destruction of the 1991 Gulf War.
The targets of this attack have been precisely
chosen to minimise casualties and attack only Saddam’s
regime.
Editorial.
Wars
Can’t be won Only From Above
The New York Times
March 21, 2003.
For decades, air power advocates
have argued that wars can be won from above, and
although air strikes will aid a battle, the public
should not be led to believe that a war can be won this
way. Over
he past seventeen years, air strikes alone have been
ineffective or backfired six times.
Robert A. Pape teaches political science at the University of Chicago and is author of
"Bombing to Win: Air Power and Coercion in
War."
Praise
for our boys, Fears for Iraq’s Children
The Guardian
March 20, 2003.
Tony Blair asserts that he could not sleep at night had he
not decided to go to war.
Although popular opinion is against him as swarms
of protestors fill major cities, Labour MP’s and
Conservatives support his decision.
Editorial.
Justice
Demands Invasion of Iraq
The Australian
March 20, 2003.
The years between 1933 and 1939 have taught the world what
happens if countries shy away from war.
In retrospect of this, it becomes clear that
invading Iraq is necessary, whether it is seen as evil
or just.
Editorial.
Iraq,
the 51st State
The Guardian
March 19, 2003.
As war grows increasingly imminent within days, people around
the world are praying for a short war, one that will
minimise casualties and collateral damage and
effectively remove Saddam Hussein.
Once the war is over and the Iraqi dictator is
removed from power, Iraq can enjoy a US style democracy.
Editorial.
Resolve
and Resolutions on our Side
The Australian
March 19, 2003.
Given the history of UN Resolutions and the authority granted
in the UN Charter and the UN Security Council, the war
in Iraq is completely legal.
Editorial.
UN
Left out on Iraq
Asahi
March 18, 2003.
The UN and all efforts of diplomacy have been excluded from
the Iraq war. Since
September 11, the Bush hawks have planned to remove
Saddam by force and they made no room for the UN or
diplomacy in their war plans.
Editorial.
Left
Behind to Starve
The Guardian
March 18, 2003.
The US government is prepared to spend $12 billion a month on
bombing Iraq, yet they only have $65 million set aside
for humanitarian purposes.
These figures lead to the conclusion that after
this war, the US will remain in Iraq to clean up after
their mess, however only as long as Iraq is a hot news
story. As
soon as Iraq is no longer covered in the media, the
troops and humanitarian aid will slowly leave the
country and the Iraqi’s will be forgotten.
Editorial.
Time
to Unite to Vanquish Hussein
The Globe and Mail
March 17, 2003.
The moment of truth has arrived as the leader of America,
Britain, and Spain met in Azores yesterday to discuss
the failure of diplomacy and the need for action.
The Azores Challenge was one last passionate plea
for international solidarity in the face of unimaginable
consequences and effects of terrorism and weapons of
mass destruction.
Editorial.
Mashing
our Monster
The New York Times
March 16, 2003.
Although it seems that the diplomatic efforts of the Bush
Administration have failed and that the state of affairs
is a wreck, the truth is that it is not a wreck.
It is a success because it was never meant to
succeed. Diplomacy
was never at the forefront of the policy.
Maureen Dowd joined the OpEd department of the
New York Times in 1995 and won a Pulitzer for her
commentary in 1999.
Bombs
and Blood
The New York Times
March 13, 2003.
As many Americans accept that
their country is headed for war within weeks, they still
feel that they are not as well informed as they should
be. It is
also a common consensus that the public feels that
Saddam is a bad guy and his time is up, however many
people overlook the carnage and collateral damage of
war.
Bob Herbert joined the New York Times OpEd
department in 1993 and writes twice a week on politics,
urban affairs, and social trends.
Grapes
of Wrath
The New York Times
March 12, 2003.
After the tragedy of 9/11, there was a sense of solidarity in
America, as everyone pulled together in the face of
catastrophe. With
a war in Iraq looming and a vast majority of the public
opposed, this catastrophe threatens to rip apart any
sense of unity that Americans currently feel towards
each other and their government.
Thomas
Friedman joined The NY Times
in 1981 after serving as a White House correspondent.
Since 1981, he has won three Pulitzer Prizes for
commentary and is now the papers foreign affairs
columnist.
The
day of Reckoning has Arrived: The UN Must act
The Guardian
March 10, 2003.
The US and UK believe that the international community must
act in the removal of Saddam’s weapons, while the
French, Germans, and Russians want further inspections
and place Middle East peace over disarmament.
These two ideas have created an international
cleavage in the UN and the day of reckoning has arrived.
Peter
Mandelson
is a former secretary of state for Northern Ireland.
The
West’s Blurred Vision
The Australian
March 8, 2003.
The US-Franco dispute over Iraq goes far beyond a difference
of opinion over war.
It is more in line with the difference of opinion
between Europe and America in the 21st
Century world in terms of security and the desire for
and efficacy of power.
Paul Kelly is Australia’s leading political
analyst and contemporary historian.
Sounding
Board – Can Bulgaria be Trusted?
Sofia Echo
March 7, 2003.
Bulgarian history, especially in terms of its war positions,
is filled with a mixture of mistakes and
inconsistencies. Until
the fall of communism is 1989, the government and
citizens were loyal anti-Americans, since the fall they
have become more American than America.
They through their UN vote towards America in
hopes of a big end prize, but there may be a bigger end
prize in Europe. The
final thought in this position is simply can Bulgaria be
trusted.
Editorial.
Resolve:
Bush Presses for UN Vote, Readies Nation for war
Boston Herald
March 7, 2003.
Last night President Bush pushed for a final UN vote
authorising war. In
the event that a resolution is vetoed or does not
support military action, Bush said that he would launch
a military invasion.
He is calling a UN vote the last phase of
diplomacy and has braced Americans for a war, possibly
in a matter of days.
Editorial.
Time
to Keep our Noses out
Ha’ Aretz
March 7, 2003.
Although the chance of an Iraqi attack on Israel is said to
be low and next to zero, it is still in Israel’s best
interest no to get involved in any way.
The lessons of 1991 are that restraint is power
and that an Iraq war does not belong to Israel.
Editorial.
Unready
for the Aftermath
The
Washington Post March 7, 2003.
Although the Bush
Administration has spent months planning for the
humanitarian aftermath to an Iraq war, the number of
prospective casualties versus the amount of aid does not
add up. The
US boasts at the amount of food and medicine they have
delivered but it is still insufficient for the 24
million people who live in Iraq.
Kenneth H.
Bacon assistant secretary of defense for
public affairs from 1994 to 2001, is president of
Refugees International. George Rupp is
president of the International Rescue Committee.
Afghanistan
Dropping off US Radar Screen
Asia Times
March 7, 2003.
President Bush has said, a number of times that America is
winning the war on terror.
Since September 11 the US has poured countless
dollars and hours into bringing down al Qaeda and in
this respect thy may be winning the war on terror.
However with attention being focused on Iraq and
al Qaeda apparently regrouping in Afghanistan, President
Bush’s position on terrorism can be confusing.
Ehsan
Ahrari,
PhD,
is an Alexandria, Virginia, US-based independent
strategic analyst.
Why
Justice has a Double Meaning
The Guardian
March 6, 2003.
America’s war on terrorism has two dictionaries that guide
it, each with different meanings of democracy and
justice. Evidence
of this can be seen in the manner that the arrest,
detention, and trial of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed has been
carried out.
Editorial.
Coercion,
all in the Name of Democracy
Asia Times
March 6, 2003.
It has recently been reported that thirty-four nations
support the US-led Iraq attack, which comprises about
10% of the world’s population.
Recent articles have questioned this coalition,
asking if it is indeed a coalition of the willing or a
coalition of the coerced.
Editorial.
Australia
Should Think Twice Before Joining the Posse
International Herald Tribune March 5, 2003.
Australia and the US have rarely ever agreed on foreign
policy, however this war with Iraq and war on terrorism
have sparked an alliance.
As the Australian public is against any military
action and it seems that Australia would have little to
gain from this war, perhaps it is time for the
government to rethink its position.
Simon Chesterman
is a senior associate at the International Peace Academy
and Michael Fullilove is a director of the
Chiefly Research Centre.
Chicken
a la Iraq
The New York Times
March 5, 2003.
Whose coalition will beak first? As George Bush and Saddam Hussein play a geopolitical game of
cat-and-mouse, the question remains as to who will back
down first and whether or not this game will lead to war
or avert a war.
Thomas
Friedman joined The NY Times
in 1981 after serving as a White House correspondent. Since 1981, he has won three Pulitzer Prizes for commentary
and is now the papers foreign affairs columnist.
A
Choice Among Evils
The Globe and Mail
March 5, 2003.
With the announcement that key al Qaeda members have been
captured and sent to a US prison abroad, the world
wonders what will be done.
Torture is the common answer, however even that
raises more questions as to what kind of torture, why,
and how much information will be broadcast to the
public.
Alan Dershowitz
is a Harvard Law professor and author of Why Terrorism
Works.
Battle
Stations for the Press
Washington Post
Editorial March 5, 2003.
Later this week, the US government and armed forces will
decide if it is safe and desirable for over 500
reporters to be sent to the Middle East to cover the
upcoming war and subsequent stories.
Bush’s
Nerve is Going to Snap
Asia Times
Editorial
March 4, 2003.
If Washington attacked Iraq directly after September 11, then
there most likely would have been greater public and
international support.
Now that the world has had time to build-up an
anti-US sentiment, Washington’s choices are limited.
The
Long Bomb
The New York Times
March 2, 2003.
George W Bush is the first president since Harry Truman to
wilfully walk into a war.
It is a huge gamble that is risking his
presidency and possibility of re-election.
With the high stakes and public disapproval, Bush
and his close-knit group of advisors must honestly
believe that this war is correct.
Thomas
Friedman joined The NY Times
in 1981 after serving as a White House correspondent. Since 1981, he has won three Pulitzer Prizes for commentary
and is now the papers foreign affairs columnist.
Any
War Demands Morality
The Observer
editorial
March 2, 2003.
In Commons or Congress, whenever
there is a debate for or against war, it always comes
down to a moral argument.
Any Iraq war will call for a moral justification
from all angles.
A
Third Force Awaits US in Iraq
Asia Times editorial
March 1, 2003.
Since the Gulf War in 1991, there has been a growing Islamic
movement in Iraq spearheaded by the Muslim Brotherhood.
There is a large underground organisation of the
Brotherhood and authorities believe that a conflict in
Iraq will generate a fierce reaction.
Pursuing
war and Peace in the Iraqi Goldfish Bowl
The Guardian
February 28, 2003.
After all of the promises of eliminating threats and
liberating the Middle East, it may now be dawning on the
US government just how much responsibility that entails.
If the outcome of this war is not up to the
standards and promises of the government, then President
Bush will never be forgiven.
Editorial.
Americans
Doing Some Fence Mending
Turkish Daily News
February 28, 2003.
With the importance of securing a northern front in Iraq, the
US will need the support of Turkey.
Given the long sanding rivalry between the Turks
and the Kurds, as the US stands on the brink of war,
they are enthralled in some heavy fence mending.
Editorial.
The
Plan for Post-War Iraq
The Washington Post
February 28, 2003.
This is a war of liberation, not occupation.
Planning has been underway for months about a
post-Saddam Iraq and every relevant division of the US
government is prepared and ready for post-war.
Steve Hadley is deputy national security
adviser to President Bush.
End
of the Affair
The Guardian
February 28, 2003.
Tony Blair and his party are in a dangerous situation after
the life or death debate over Iraq on Wednesday. Whips lore says that loyalty is like virginity, once breached
never mended, which leaves the question open as to
whether or not this split is the end of Tony Blair and
New Labour.
Editorial.
Abhor
the war but Accept it
The Australian February 28, 2003.
Although many Australians are
against the war and are opposed to following the US into
combat, there is an atmosphere of acceptance, as the
inevitability looms closer and closer.
Michael Costello is former chief of staff to Kim Beazley and
former top Canberra bureaucrat.
The
House Divided
The Guardian
February 27, 2003.
Last night in a debate in the House of Commons over Iraq, 121
Labour MP’s voted to amend the governments Iraq
stance. Even
with his party wounded by this outcome, Blair still sees
a green light to follow the US to war.
Editorial.
War
Remains the Option of First Resort – not Last
The Guardian
February 27, 2003.
It is no unusual behaviour for America to rush to war it is
often the first decision of US foreign policy makers. Human beings thrive on war and conflict situations and the
current US march to war on Iraq is a manifestation of
that emotion.
Editorial.
Suitors at
UN Step up the Lobbying Over Iraq
International Herald Tribune February 27, 2003.
Fro February 5 to the 12, Angola has been contacted by Dick
Cheney, Jacques Chirac, George W Bush, and Jose Durao
the Prime Minister of Portugal.
All of these calls were made to President Jose
Eduardo dos Santos in an act of lobbying over the
current situation in Iraq.
Similar situations are going on in Mexico and
Chile and elsewhere in the world.
Editorial.
President
Bush’s Nation Building
The New York Times
February 27, 2003.
Last night President Bush laid out his plans for Iraq.
Rather than mention the destruction of weapons,
oil, or terrorism, as was expected, President Bush
talked about a free and peaceful Iraq that could set an
example for the rest of the Arab world.
Editorial.
The
West Will Lose Iraq War Endgame
The
Scotsmen
February 26, 2003
People
generally think that the Iraq war will be shot in
duration with a definite Western victory.
All signs point to this assumption being true,
however many fail to acknowledge the after effects of
this conflict. It will unleash Islamic terrorism on the West.
Editorial.
It’s
not too Late for Saddam to Disarm, Says PM
The
Guardian
February 26, 2003.
With
support for war fluctuating and declining, Prime
Minister Tony Blair has now said that a war is not
desirable nor is it imminent as he offered Saddam
Hussein a final, final warning.
Michael
White a political editor for The Guardian.
Threats,
Promises and Lies
The
New York Times
February 25, 2003.
The
idea of a war in Iraq has now become a credibility
issue. As
the hawks will say, as we have stationed our troops
there, we must attack or we will loose international
credibility.
Paul
Krugman
joined The New York Times in 1999 as a columnist on the
Op-Ed Page and continues as Professor of Economics and
International Affairs at Princeton University.
Iraq’s
Missiles Will be the Crucial Test
Financial
Times
February 25, 2003.
The
decision to go to war is once again dependant on the
actions of Saddam Hussein.
On Friday, Hans Blix called upon the Iraqi regime
to star destroying its al-Samoud 2 missiles by March 1.
If Baghdad complies it is difficult to see how
war will be launched, alternatively if there is no
compliance it is difficult to see how war will be
avoided.
James
Rubin
is a former US assistant secretary of state.
Authors
of Their Misfortune
The
Globe and Mail
February 25, 2003.
The
world prepares for a war in Iraq and the eventual
collapse of the Iraqi regime.
In the Arab region though, people are not worried
about Iraqi regime change as much as they are worried
about their own regimes collapsing. Individuals are scared that there will be a domino effect to
the toppling regime.
David
Hirst,
author
of Sadat and a former correspondent for The
Guardian, is based in Beirut.
A Cycle of Peace for the Mideast
The Wall Street Journal
February 24, 2003.
The situation in Iraq has triggered an international crisis.
But with crisis often comes opportunity, and
those opportunities need to be addressed.
There is an opportunity for better Arab relations
in the world and there is a chance to address any
problems in international security and resolve them
before any future problems can arise.
By the Foreign Minister of Greece George Papandreou.
Both
the Military and the Spooks are Opposed to War on Iraq
The
Guardian
February 24, 2003.
A
common view among high government officials is that a
war with Iraq now will become an open invitation for
Islamic extremists to attack Britain and the US.
Tony Blair has therefore failed to convince the
public, the military, the opposition, or his own party,
that war is necessary.
Richard
Norton-Taylor
is the Guardian's security editor
The
Other War
The
New York Times
February 24, 2003.
During
and after any conflict in Iraq, there is still another
front that must be observed, the Israeli front.
Israeli officials have promised not to retaliate
against any Iraq attack, but it will depend on the type
of weapon that is used and on the number of Israeli
casualties, thus adding another front to any Iraq war.
After a conflict Middle Eastern violence must be
monitored closely, which means that even after any
direct Iraq war, the commitment to rebuild continues.
William
Safire is a former speechwriter for
President Nixon, and joined the Times in April 1973 as a
political columnist.
In 1978, he won the Pulitzer Prize for
distinguished commentary.
US,
UK Put UN on War Notice
The Australian
February 22, 2003.
Next
week the Security Council will be putt on a high notice
of war as Britain and the US put forward a draft
resolution for a war on Iraq. This resolution will simply state that Iraq is still in
material breech and that there is a need for a second UN
resolution.
Editorial.
EU
Inches Closer to US on Iraq
Athens News
February 21, 2003.
Costas Simitris, Greek President of the European Union (EU)
has warned against US unilateral military action over
Iraq, says the EU finds a second resolution desirable
and believes that the use of force is only a last
resort. President
Simitris was applauded for successfully reaching this EU
compromise.
Editorial.
Full
US Control Planned for Iraq
Washington Post
February 21, 2003.
The Bush Administration has a blueprint for the complete and
unilateral control over a post-Saddam Hussein Iraq. A yet-to-be-named American civilian will head this
post-Saddam initiative.
Karen DeYoung and Peter Slevin Washington Post Staff
Writers.
Saddam’s
Samson Option
Asia Times
February 21, 2003.
Is it right for the US to reorder the world to its own
image just because it is an exceptional power? The safest option from the US viewpoint is to follow the Arab
quest to find a suitable exile for Saddam.
Of course, Saddam will not politely step down to
his chief nemesis and therefore his revenge may lie
within the Samson option, that is to use whatever
weapons he has saved up for this Armageddon.
Ehsan Ahrari,
PhD,
is an Alexandria, Virginia, US-based independent
strategic analyst.
War
Against Iraq Doesn’t Depend on the UN
The Australian Jewish News February 21, 2003.
If
there is, on the balance of probabilities, a case for
the US and its allies to go to war, then the opinion of
the Security Council means nothing.
If there is a serious case against war, then the
word of the Security Council is still meaningless.
Sam
Lispki
is a former editor of the Australian Jewish News.
A
Last Chance to Stop Iraq
The New York Times February 21, 2003.
Those opposed
to war will rally and shout that Saddam Hussein can be
disarmed peacefully, but what if he can’t?
Observers have a poor track record of predicting
Iraqi weapons progress, be it nuclear, chemical, or
biological. American,
British, and Israeli intelligence all say that unless
Iraq is disarmed now, the country will soon acquire
weapons of mass destruction.
Kenneth
M. Pollack,
a former analyst of the Iraqi military at the C.I.A., is
a fellow at the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at
the Brookings Institution and author of "The
Threatening Storm: The Case for Invading Iraq."
Why
Hasn’t Saddam Killed us All?
CATO Institute
February 20, 2003.
If the Bush Administration is correct and Saddam
Hussein has deadly weapons, then why hasn’t he killed
us all? If
there is an Iraq-al Qaeda link then why did September 11
use American planes rather than biological or chemical
weapons? The
fact is that despite how much Saddam hates America, he
wants to stay alive. Saddam Hussein is homicidal not suicidal.
Doug Bandow
is
a senior fellow with the Cato Institute and a syndicated
columnist.
But
Mr. Bush, Why Now?
The Globe and Mail February 20, 2003.
Over the past
years, Saddam Hussien is presumably no more or less evil
than he has always been, thus prompting the question why
now? The
Bush Administration links this war with the September 11
attacks. With
the lack of connections between al Qaeda and the Iraqi
regime, it appears that terrorism is the excuse to
attack Iraq, not the reason.
Henry
Mintzberg is
Cleghorn professor of management studies at McGill
University in Montreal and author of the forthcoming
Developing Managers, Not MBAs
Hussein’s
Removal Could Unite Middle East
The Australian
February 20, 2003.
As Europe divides over Iraq, the Middle East may
unite. As
Iran, Israel, and Kuwait have all been attacked by Iraq
and Saudi Arabia threatened, the removal of Saddam
Hussein may no unie them indefinitely however it will
remove a contentious issue.
Editorial.
The
Trouble With Corporate Radio: The Day the Protest Music
Died
The New York Times February 20, 2003.
During the Vietnam War, protest music and political
songs filled the airwaves.
It seems that during this war, music does not
play as large of a part.
With the abundance of independent radio stations,
one would expect anti-war slogans and songs to be
filling the airwaves, when in actuality the opposite is
true. The reason behind this is simple, there are more and more
corporate radio stations buying up the independent
competition and disallowing the controversial music from
playing.
Editorial.
The
Worst Defence
The
New York Times
February 20, 2003.
If
the Bush Administration spent as much money on homeland
defence against terrorism as it is spending in
preparation for the upcoming war, then Bush’s approval
rating may rise. The
American public is so concerned with the fact that they
have been in a state of Code Orange for two weeks the
people want to see more of the $160 billion in new
financing for national security go to keeping the
homeland safe than towards the possibility of a future
threat.
Daniel Benjamin and Steven Simon, members of the National Security Council staff from
1994-1999, are authors of "The Age of Sacred
Terror."
The
Road to Zermatt
The
Guardian
February 20, 2003.
So
far the casualties of the second Gulf War are few, but
important. They
are: truth, the western alliance, and European unity.
In a year that Europe was expected to grow
together they are strongly divided.
There are the Bush followers, Britain, Italy,
Spain, and Portugal and the pacifists of France,
Germany, and Belgium.
Europe has spent the 11 years since the first
Gulf War unifying, only to find itself more disunited
after the second Gulf War.
Editorial.
War’s
Economic Side Effects
The
Washington Post
February 19, 2003.
Nobody
predicted the economic effects of WW1 or WW2, and there
was no way to predict them.
The world has changed dramatically since each of
those events and their effects can still be seen today.
However, what the economic impact of the Iraq War
will be, nobody knows and only speculation exists.
Editorial.
Poking
a Stick at a Cornered Snake
The
Australian
February 19, 2003.
The
1991 Gulf War proved far easier and cheaper than
originally planned.
Now the Bush administration thinks a second war
will be even easier than the first. | 