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United Nations

US Warns Iraq of Air Raids as Diplomacy Fails

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

US Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright warned of US air raids against Iraq unless they backed down on blocking UN inspectors investigating weapons of mass destruction. The latest standoff reflects a growing determination in the US administration to use force and topple President Saddam Hussein. Experts say the administration has moved from trying to keep Saddam in a box to seeking a fundamental change in Iraq.

Key Takeaways:

  • US Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright threatened air raids against Iraq unless they backed down on blocking UN inspectors.
  • Iraq blocked yet another team of UN inspectors investigating weapons of mass destruction, defying UN demands to cooperate.
  • Richard Butler, head of the UN Special Commission, said Iraqi officials blocked inspectors on a mission near Baghdad, calling it "very serious."
  • The site in question was the office of Saddam's Ba'ath Party, and UN officials declined to give details about the planned inspection to avoid tipping off the Iraqis.
  • Iraq narrowly escaped U.S.-led air strikes on November 14 by promising to cooperate with inspections.
  • Middle East analysts believe Saddam may have miscalculated this time, as the US is likely to take action against him.
  • No military action is likely before Tuesday, when UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan receives a report on Iraqi compliance from Richard Butler.
  • Experts say US policy is becoming increasingly tougher towards Iraq, with a focus on forcing a change of government in Baghdad.

Statistics:

  • The US threatened air raids against Iraq unless they backed down on blocking UN inspectors.
  • November 14, Iraq narrowly escaped U.S.-led air strikes by promising to cooperate with inspections.
  • Tuesday, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan is to receive a report on Iraqi compliance from Richard Butler.

Sources:

  • [Albright Warns of Air Raids Against Iraq, Saying 'There Is No More' Diplomacy](https://www.nytimes.com/1998/11/18/world/albright-warns-of-air-raids-against-iraq-saying-there-is-no-more-diplomacy.html)
  • [Iraqi Officials Block U.N. Inspectors, Further Escalating Crisis Over Weapons](https://www.nytimes.com/1998/11/17/world/iraqi-officials-block-u-n-inspectors-further-escalating-crisis-over-weapons.html)
  • [U.N. Press Conference Transcript](https://www.un.org/webcast/gov/1998/yu19981117.htm)

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