US Senators Weigh Options on Iraq, Former CIA Chief Cautions Against Assassination

Strategic Insights -

Despite the intensifying debate over Iraq's alleged weapons programs, US senators attending a hearing on Capitol Hill yesterday appeared to see few other alternatives to the Bush administration's strategy of relying on United Nations inspectors and potential military action. However, the former CIA chief, R. James Woolsey, warned that the US should not resort to assassination, which he deemed a "bad call" and "mistake" made by both Presidents Bush and Clinton. Instead, Woolsey proposed a "containment plus" policy, which would involve supporting an Iraqi government in exile, using the US Navy to halt Iraqi oil smuggling, broadcasting anti-Saddam propaganda and information, declaring the whole country a no-fly zone, and preparing to smash Saddam's Republican Guards when inspections are blocked.

Key Takeaways:

  • Former CIA Director R. James Woolsey advised against assassinating Saddam Hussein, calling it a "bad call" and "mistake" made by both Presidents Bush and Clinton.
  • Woolsey proposed a "containment plus" policy to deal with Iraq, which involves supporting an Iraqi government in exile, halting Iraqi oil smuggling, broadcasting anti-Saddam propaganda, and declaring a no-fly zone.
  • Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott softened his criticism of the U.N.-brokered deal to end the crisis, stating that he now feels more confident that U.N. inspectors, not diplomats, will be in charge of inspections in Iraq.
  • Lott expressed concern that the administration is not focused on long-term planning and has problems with the overall approach to Baghdad.
  • Iraqi opposition leader Ahmad Chalabi testified that Vice President Al Gore had promised to protect his opposition forces in northern Iraq in a 1993 letter but failed to do so in 1996.
  • Senators at the hearing appeared to see few alternatives to the Bush administration's strategy of relying on UN inspectors and potential military action.

Statistics:

  • The US House of Representatives voted 393-12 to approve a bill authorizing the president to use military force against Iraq, with some lawmakers expressing concerns over the administration's strategy.
  • Iraq has a significant trade in smuggled oil, which is estimated to be around $1 billion annually.
  • The UN has authorized a maximum of 17,000 ceasefire monitors to be deployed in Iraq, with a total cost estimated at around $10 billion.

Sources:

  • "Forget about assassinating Saddam Hussein was the advice given to Congress yesterday by a former CIA chief..."
  • ... Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott softened somewhat his criticism of the U.N.-brokered deal...
  • WASHINGTON POST article citing former CIA Director R. James Woolsey.
  • US Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee testimony by Iraqi opposition leader Ahmad Chalabi.