Britain and America Agree to Use Military Force Against Iraq if UN Inspections Are Blocked

Strategic Insights -

Britain and America yesterday agreed to use military force against Iraq if President Saddam Hussein continues to block United Nations arms inspections. The agreement was made after a meeting in London between George Robertson, the Defence Secretary, and William Cohen, his American counterpart. The two countries emphasized that all options remained on the table, including the use of force, to get Saddam Hussein to comply with the UN.

The threat of force was seen as a necessary step to pressure Saddam Hussein to cooperate with the UN inspections. The Iraqi leader has withdrawn all cooperation over UN inspections until sanctions are lifted. George Robertson described the situation as "very grave" and emphasized that diplomacy backed by the threat of force could achieve much more. He also described Saddam Hussein as a "potent danger to both his neighbours and the stability of the Middle East".

The use of military force against Iraq is not the preferred option, but it remains on the table. Robin Cook, the Foreign Secretary, stated that Britain wants to find a diplomatic solution to the Iraqi crisis, but all options remain open. The Iraqi leader must not be allowed to win the test of nerve against the UN.

Key Takeaways:

  • Britain and America agreed to use military force against Iraq if UN inspections are blocked by President Saddam Hussein.
  • The agreement was made after a meeting in London between George Robertson and William Cohen.
  • The two countries emphasized that all options remain on the table, including the use of force, to get Saddam Hussein to comply with the UN.
  • George Robertson described the situation as "very grave" and emphasized that diplomacy backed by the threat of force could achieve much more.
  • Robin Cook stated that Britain wants to find a diplomatic solution to the Iraqi crisis, but all options remain open.
  • Saddam Hussein is considered a "potent danger to both his neighbours and the stability of the Middle East".
  • An Iraqi defector, Abbas al-Janabi, has said that chemical and biological weapons have been hidden by Baghdad.
  • Senior Iraqi government ministers, including Tariq Aziz, were kept in ignorance of the weapons' whereabouts, according to Abbas al-Janabi.
  • Robin Cook warned that Saddam Hussein must not be allowed to win the test of nerve against the UN.

Statistics:

  • None provided in the source material

Sources:

  • The Times, 1998.