Talking about hanging hats on thin reeds...But what are the responses if the UN is not backing the war. Or if allies do not join the war.
At present, the odds for those conditions look far smaller than the odds for the reverse, so who has the thin reed? As Den Beste pointed out, Bush now has the first condition --Congressional approval which does not require UN approval. Since Bush doesn't need UN approval, he will get it -- the UN values form over substance at all times, and would much rather lend its name to a big cause than be left by the sidelines looking irrelevant. China has agreed to support us in the UNSC, France is sidling our way, Britain is already there, Russia is still haggling about price.
As for allies, how many do we need? Britain, Turkey, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, are clearly going to give aid, even Saudi Arabia and Iran are making some positive noises. Not all are equally happy about it, but it is better to be on the train than under it, as far as they are concerned. |
