Clinton Administration Steps Up Campaign Against Iraq and Iran

The Clinton Administration has intensified its efforts against Iraq and Iran, pushing for stricter economic sanctions and condemning their alleged development of weapons of mass destruction. President Clinton and Secretary of State Warren Christopher have made it clear that the Administration considers both countries to be "rogue states" that pose a significant threat to regional stability. While the Administration's strategy is aimed at pressuring both countries to comply with United Nations resolutions, it has also highlighted the divide within the Administration over how to deal with Iran's rapidly growing military capabilities.

Key Takeaways:

• The Clinton Administration has escalated its campaign against Iraq, accusing the country of regaining the ability to develop weapons of mass destruction.
• The Administration has also stepped up pressure on Iran, with Secretary of State Christopher asserting that Iran is conducting a large program to develop biological weapons for offensive purposes.
• The issue of imposing stricter economic sanctions on Iran remains contentious within the Administration, with some Cabinet officials arguing that such measures will not directly punish Iran and may further radicalize the country.
• The Administration's Iran policy debate has been complicated by Republican-sponsored legislation and a campaign led by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
• The Clinton Administration considers both Iraq and Iran to be "rogue states" that pose a significant threat to regional stability.
• President Clinton has expressed his determination to maintain strict global economic sanctions against Iraq until its Government is in complete compliance with United Nations resolutions.
• The Administration's strategy on Iran remains fluid, with National Security Adviser Anthony Lake intending to give President Clinton a series of options for how to proceed.

Statistics:

• $10s of billions: The amount spent by Saddam Hussein on his military machine.
• 17 tons: The amount of biological cultures that Iraq has never accounted for, which could be used for developing tuberculosis, cholera, and the plague.
• 74 pages: The length of an argument for sanctions distributed by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

Sources:

• The New York Times, February 24, 1995 (no date)
• The New York Times, February 24, 1995
• The New York Times, February 24, 1995
• The New York Times, February 24, 1995
• Remarks by Secretary of State Warren Christopher to the Anti-Defamation League, February 24, 1995.