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Hussein, Saddam

US Determined to Stop Iraq from Blocking UN Weapons Inspections

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

President Clinton's strongest statement yet on impending military action against Iraq came amidst bipartisan expressions of support from Congress and European allies. The US aims to deny Iraq capacity to develop weapons of mass destruction and missiles to deliver them. Defense Secretary William S. Cohen emphasized that military action will target Saddam's capability to deploy deadly chemical or biological weapons.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Clinton stated that the US is determined to deny Iraq capacity to develop weapons of mass destruction and missiles to deliver them.
  • Defense Secretary William S. Cohen emphasized that military action will target Saddam's capability to deploy deadly chemical or biological weapons.
  • The US has secured bipartisan support from Congress and several European allies in the standoff with Iraq.
  • The White House has requested Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to discuss the crisis.
  • General Anthony Zinni, commander of US forces in the Gulf, has requested more forces for the region, including warplanes and Marines.
  • Iraq has offered to open eight presidential sites to UN inspections, but only for one month, with limitations on the inspectors' access.
  • Gen. Anthony Zinni will request the president to approve the additional forces within the next few days, with preparations already underway.

Statistics:

  • 15: The number of UN Security Council members who will be invited to pick five inspectors each, along with two each from the 21-member advisory board of Unscom.
  • 21: The number of members in the advisory board of Unscom, which is in charge of Iraqi disarmament.
  • 8: The number of presidential sites that Iraq has agreed to open to UN inspections.
  • 1: The month's duration for which Iraq has agreed to open the presidential sites to UN inspectors.
  • 1991: The year the US and its allies led a coalition against Iraq in the Persian Gulf war.

Sources:

  • The Washington Post
  • CNN interview with Defense Secretary William S. Cohen
  • The Washington Times
  • CNN interview with Gen. Anthony Zinni
  • Statement by House Speaker Newt Gingrich
  • Interview with White House Press Secretary Michael McCurry
  • Statement by Ewen Buchanan, spokesman for Unscom
  • Gen. Anthony Zinni's statement
  • Statements by Sen. Olympia J. Snowe and Sen. John McCain

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