Sign in Subscribe
Iraq

Diplomatic Efforts Intensify as Crisis Over Iraq Reaches Boiling Point

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright's meeting with six Arab leaders has yielded little hope for a peaceful resolution to the crisis over Iraq, with none of them objecting to the use of force if diplomatic efforts fail. Meanwhile, France has sent a top envoy to Baghdad, and Russia is pressing for a peaceful resolution, citing progress in Iraq's position. The international community is now bracing for the possibility of a US-led attack, with the Arab League secretary-general warning of a "catastrophe."

Key Takeaways:

  • US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright met with six Arab leaders, but found no objection to attacking Iraq if diplomacy fails.
  • France has sent a top envoy, Bertrand Dufourcq, to Baghdad in an effort to find a nonmilitary solution to the crisis.
  • Russia is pressing for a peaceful resolution, citing progress in Iraq's position, and has announced a possible compromise with Iraq.
  • The US military is preparing for a possible attack on Iraq, with Senators briefed on the strike plans in Washington.
  • The Arab League secretary-general, Esmat Abdel-Meguid, is warning of a "catastrophe" if the use of force is not averted.
  • Iraq has denied any plans to compromise with the international community.
  • The Russian parliament's lower house has passed a resolution saying Russia will no longer adhere to UN sanctions if the US attacks Iraq without UN approval.

Statistics:

  • 6 Arab leaders met with US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.
  • 1 top envoy from France, Bertrand Dufourcq, has been sent to Baghdad.
  • 1 Russian envoy has been in Baghdad for two days.
  • 1 US-led attack is being prepared, with Senators briefed on the strike plans.
  • 100%: France will do all it can to resolve the crisis by other means than force. (Quote from French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine)
  • 100%: Russia will no longer adhere to UN sanctions if the US attacks Iraq without UN approval. (Resolution passed by the Russian parliament's lower house)
  • 1 catastrophe warning: Arab League secretary-general Esmat Abdel-Meguid warns of a catastrophe if the use of force is not averted.

Sources:

  • Associated Press
  • Reuters
  • French Foreign Ministry
  • Russian Presidency
  • Arab League
  • CNN
  • BBC News

Read more