<<....The looming attack on Iraq is almost universally opposed. When, after arduous diplomacy, the United Nations returned inspectors to Iraq, Norwegians hoped that war might be averted. But Washington's subsequent scorn of the inspection process, its dismissal of every conciliatory gesture from Baghdad, and its incessant bombing of Iraqi air-defense sites, is seen as aggressive warmongering.
Then the Bush administration, citing fears of nuclear proliferation, refused to let Norway, and other temporary members of the U.N. Security Council, receive Baghdad's complete weapons report. Norway, long an advocate of nuclear-free zones and disarmament, was deeply insulted.
Does this small, northern European country matter? In the world of realpolitik, probably not.
But the sudden plummet in Norway's regard for America should set off alarm bells in Washington. Like the canary in the mine shaft, Norway is small and inconsequential. But when the plucky bird ceases to sing, something noxious and foul is in the air...>>
Interesting article...I sure hope Shrub wakes up and smells the coffee -- we are doing good job of antagonizing nearly all of our allies. |
