The purpose of res 1441 was to prohibit the US from claiming that it has UN authorization to attack Iraq. The US agreed to that because it was sure it could present convincing evidence to get a second specific resolution authorizing attack.
The "second resolution" would rely on the results of inspections to look into US claims about "overwhelming" weapons evidence.
That does not appear to be true.
From Res 1441:
[begin snip]
Recalling that its resolution 678 (1990) authorized member states to use all necessary means to uphold and implement its resolution 660 (1990) of 2 August 1990 and all relevant resolutions subsequent to resolution 660 (1990) and to restore international peace and security in the area,
Further recalling that its resolution 687 (1991) imposed obligations on Iraq as a necessary step for achievement of its stated objective of restoring international peace and security in the area,
[snip]
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Decides that Iraq has been and remains in material breach of its obligations under relevant resolutions, including resolution 687 (1991), in particular through Iraq's failure to cooperate with United Nations inspectors and the IAEA, and to complete the actions required under paragraphs 8 to 13 of resolution 687 (1991);
2. Decides, while acknowledging paragraph 1 above, to afford Iraq, by this resolution, a final opportunity to comply with its disarmament obligations under relevant resolutions of the council; and accordingly decides to set up an enhanced inspection regime with the aim of bringing to full and verified completion the disarmament process established by resolution 687 (1991) and subsequent resolutions of the council;
3. Decides that, in order to begin to comply with its disarmament obligations, in addition to submitting the required biannual declarations, the government of Iraq shall provide to UNMOVIC, the IAEA, and the council, not later than 30 days from the date of this resolution, a currently accurate, full, and complete declaration of all aspects of its programs to develop chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons, ballistic missiles, and other delivery systems such as unmanned aerial vehicles and dispersal systems designed for use on aircraft, including any holdings and precise locations of such weapons, components, sub-components, stocks of agents, and related material and equipment, the locations and work of its research, development and production facilities, as well as all other chemical, biological, and nuclear programs, including any which it claims are for purposes not related to weapon production or material;
4. Decides that false statements or omissions in the declarations submitted by Iraq pursuant to this resolution and failure by Iraq at any time to comply with, and cooperate fully in the implementation of, this resolution shall constitute a further material breach of Iraq's obligations and will be reported to the council for assessment in accordance with paragraph 11 and 12 below;
[end snip]
Explain the language of the resolution then. Iraq is in material breach. Their is no question about it.
From Blix's latest report we know, among other things, the following (lifted from an news article summarizing his written report):
Iraq admits to numerous attempts to mislead inspectors by lying or planting false evidence.
Specific examples of noncompliance include:
— In 1995, Iraq declared its offensive biological weapons program, after publicly denying its existence for four years.
— In 1997, inspectors discovered evidence of production on prohibited missiles completed five years earlier.
— In 1997, Iraq declared 187 pieces of specialty equipment used to produce chemical agents.
— In 2003, after a confrontation with inspectors, Iraq turned over the "Iraqi Air Force" document, which disclosed 6,500 bombs armed with 1,000 tons of mustard gas, contradicting earlier chemical-weapons declarations.
Saddam is a perennial liar. Since the Israelis destroyed his nuclear reactor (it was going to be used for energy only. Right, the cost of oil is too prohibitive) Saddam has made sure that his weapons programs were well hidden and has had the last ten years to perfect this strategy.
The onus of the inspections is not to find more weapons but for Iraq to prove that it is in compliance with the previous resolutions that are the lynch pin of the Gulf War cease fire. The resolutions noted 1441 certainly do provide an open door for the US to proceed with military action. Will if be popular with those wanting to appease Saddam? No, but it is not, I believe, prohibited.
You wrote:done by repeated, aggressive and intrusive inspection
Are you kidding? We wouldn't want to hurt Saddam's feelings, would we? It would be rude to be aggressive and intrusive to attempt to get a liar and a madman to tell the truth.
Given this man's history, why is the world, and judging from your words, you, so eager to appease him?
Can you honestly say the you believe that Saddam has completely dismantled his WMD programs and lived up to Resolution 1441 and the previous resolutions noted in 1441? |
