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United Nations

Confrontation Looms in the Gulf: Iraqis and UN at Odds Over Weapons Inspection

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Diplomatic tensions between Iraq and the UN have reached a boiling point as the possibility of another military build-up in the Gulf, with British forces in support, is not being ruled out by Washington and London. The collapse of the deal to allow UN teams unfettered access to suspected weapons sites in Iraq has sparked a prolonged diplomatic slanging match between Iraq and the US, with Iraq's deputy Premier Tariq Aziz accusing UN Chief Inspector Richard Butler of trying to drag out sanctions to serve US interests.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN's chief inspector, Richard Butler, accused Iraq of rejecting his plan to complete the inspection process, stating that 'we did not make the progress I have hoped for.'
  • Iraq's deputy Premier Tariq Aziz accused Butler of trying to drag out the sanctions to serve US interests, while Foreign Secretary Robin Cook blamed Saddam for the latest crisis, accusing the regime of reneging on the deal struck in February.
  • The British Foreign Secretary, Robin Cook, accused Iraq of playing games, dismissing claims that UNSCOM had haggled over minor details of the weapons probe.
  • The UK has withdrawn its carrier force and slimmed down its military units in the Gulf, with only a single frigate, HMS Grafton, and supporting tanker remaining.
  • The US has 18 Tornado jets at bases in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Turkey, with the Ministry of Defence stating that it remains vigilant and committed to ensuring Saddam Hussein complies with the UNSCOM inspection process.
  • Tim Tre-van, former senior adviser to the weapons inspectors, warned that confrontation is looming, with experts reckoning that Saddam has carefully chosen this time to test the will of the Americans.
  • UN Secretary General Kofi Annan described the situation as a 'major hiccup', while Security Council President Danilo Turk said it was a 'difficult moment, disturbing.'

Statistics:

  • Over 4,000 chemical weapons are unaccounted for in Iraq.
  • Iraq has been using nerve gas on warheads, according to fresh evidence.
  • The US has slimmed down its military units in the Gulf, with the Royal Navy presence limited to a single frigate, HMS Grafton, and supporting tanker.
  • The RAF maintains 18 Tornado jets at bases in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Turkey.
  • The UN's chief inspector, Richard Butler, has accused Iraq of rejecting his plan to complete the inspection process.

Sources:

  • The Guardian
  • CNN
  • BBC News
  • Reuters

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