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United Nations

UN Security Council Divided Over US and British Attacks on Iraq

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting to discuss the US and British airstrikes on Iraq, with several countries condemning the action. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan expressed deep regret over the use of force, stating that it was a "sad day for the world." The US and Britain argued that the airstrikes were necessary due to Iraq's refusal to cooperate with weapons inspectors. The Security Council adjourned without setting a new meeting time, with Annan's thoughts being with the people of Iraq and the UN humanitarian workers in the country.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting to discuss the US and British airstrikes on Iraq.
  • Several countries, including China and Russia, condemned the action, labeling it a violation of the UN charter.
  • US envoy Peter Burleigh stated that Iraq's "policy of unremitting defiance and noncompliance necessitated the resort to military force."
  • Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov called for the immediate cessation of the military action to create conditions for a political path forward.
  • Annan had previously helped avert military action twice this year, once in February and again in November.
  • Annan warned Iraq that if it did not fully cooperate with the weapons inspectors, there might not be another chance for diplomacy.
  • The US and Britain stated that Iraq had broken its promise to cooperate with the weapons inspectors, prompting the airstrikes.
  • China's UN Ambassador Qin Huasen said that there was "absolutely no excuse or pretext to use force against Iraq," and that it posed a threat to international stability.

Statistics:

  • 307 United Nations humanitarian workers remain in Iraq.
  • The US and Britain stated that Iraq had broken its promise to cooperate with the weapons inspectors on November 14.
  • The Security Council met for 90 minutes and then again for about an hour on Wednesday afternoon.
  • The leading countries in the US-UK airstrikes were the US and Britain.
  • Annan has previously helped avert military action twice this year, once in February and again in November.

Sources:

  • " Secretary-General Kofi Annan said on Wednesday."
  • US Envoy Peter Burleigh statement.
  • Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov statement.
  • Chinese UN Ambassador Qin Huasen statement.
  • Annan's statement to the Security Council.
  • Report by Richard Butler, chief U.N. weapons inspector.

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