US Secretary of State Warns of Swift Response to Iraqi Threats

US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright delivered a stern warning to Israel and its Arab neighbors on Sunday, assuring them that the United States would take swift and resounding action against any Iraqi attack in the region. Addressing the Israeli people in a televised press conference in Jerusalem, Albright pledged US support in the face of Saddam's latest threat. She later flew to the Persian Gulf to convey the same message to leaders of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The warning comes amidst an ongoing impasse between Iraq and the United Nations over weapons inspections, with Iraq refusing to grant unfettered access to "sensitive sites" such as presidential compounds.

Key Takeaways:

• US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright warned Israel and Arab neighbors of a swift and resounding response to any Iraqi attack, emphasizing US support in the face of Saddam's threat.
• Albright addressed the Israeli people in a televised press conference in Jerusalem, followed by meetings with leaders of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia as part of a regional tour to garner support for potential military action against Iraq.
• The warning is a response to Iraq's refusal to grant UN inspectors unfettered access to "sensitive sites" such as presidential compounds, citing concerns of violating Iraq's sovereignty.
• Iraq began training citizens to defend against an American attack, with men forming lines and chanting anti-American slogans.
• Diplomatic efforts are underway, with Russia, France, and Turkey embarking on fresh diplomatic initiatives to resolve the standoff over UN inspections.
• US Ambassador to the UN Bill Richardson stated that diplomacy is on its last legs, emphasizing the need to keep all options, including the military option, on the table.

Statistics:

• The UN has imposed trade sanctions on Iraq since its 1990 invasion of Kuwait, which led to the 1991 Persian Gulf War.
• UN inspectors are required to certify that Iraq eliminates its weapons of mass destruction before trade sanctions can be lifted.
• Roughly 100,000 Iraqis, ranging from teens to 70-year-olds, have been mobilized for defense training against an American attack.
• The diplomatic missions from Russia, France, and Turkey have led to a possible breakthrough in the standoff.

Sources:

• The Associated Press
• [Source: The Associated Press]
• [Source: The United Nations]