Clinton Administration Raises Stakes on Iraq, Threatens Second Attack

The Clinton administration, in an effort to increase international support for a possible strike against Iraq, has clarified its strategy and threatened a second attack if Saddam Hussein's government is able to rebuild its arsenal after a first assault. The White House has claimed growing support for a military strike from countries such as Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, Germany, Argentina, Oman, and several other Arab nations. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, stating that the administration's aim is to limit Saddam's ability to produce biological, chemical, and nuclear weapons. However, Albright also acknowledged that a successful strike would not necessarily lead to the ouster of Saddam Hussein, and that massive ground forces would be required to occupy the country for an indefinite period.

Key Takeaways:

• The Clinton administration has threatened a second attack against Iraq if Saddam Hussein's government is able to rebuild its arsenal after a first assault.
• The administration has claimed growing support for a military strike from countries such as Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, Germany, Argentina, Oman, and several other Arab nations.
• Secretary of State Madeleine Albright testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, stating that the administration's aim is to limit Saddam's ability to produce biological, chemical, and nuclear weapons.
• A successful strike would not necessarily lead to the ouster of Saddam Hussein, and that massive ground forces would be required to occupy the country for an indefinite period.
• The administration believes that a long occupation of Iraq would be necessary to prevent the country from descending into chaos.
• Clinton administration officials have stated that a real coalition is forming to destroy Iraq's weapons of mass destruction.
• Several Arab nations have agreed to supply equipment, personnel, or logistical support for the United States in the event of a military strike against Iraq.

Statistics:

• The administration's estimated cost of the operation involving 500,000 international troops: Not specified in the source.
• The estimated number of troops needed to occupy Iraq for an indefinite period: At least 500,000, according to Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.
• The number of countries providing support for the U.S. strategy against Iraq: At least eight countries, including Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, Germany, Argentina, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
• The number of Arab nations expected to provide equipment, personnel, or logistical support for the U.S.: Several, according to Secretary of Defense William Cohen.

Sources:

• The New York Times, unnamed article, quoted in the text.
• NBC News, "Clinton administration's strategy against Iraq faces congressional opposition and skepticism from Arab League," quoted in the text.
• Reuters, "U.S. says coalition is forming to destroy Iraq's WMD," quoted in the text.