US Warns Iraq of Military Action Over Defiance of U.N. Sanctions

Strategic Insights -

US Defense Secretary William S. Cohen yesterday warned Iraq that it could face military attack if it continues to defy U.N. sanctions, in a stern response to Baghdad's decision to halt all cooperation with U.N. weapons inspectors. Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz reiterated that his government will not reconsider its decision, despite condemnation by the Security Council and the United States.

Key Takeaways:

  • US Defense Secretary William S. Cohen warned Iraq of military action if it continues to defy U.N. sanctions, stating that Saddam Hussein's actions "flout the rules" and break agreements.
  • The US has not moved additional forces to the Gulf region, and US forces have not been placed on alert, according to a Pentagon spokesman.
  • The White House convened an emergency meeting to review the situation and discuss potential action, with Cohen, Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright, CIA Director George Tenet, and National Security Adviser Samuel R. Berger in attendance.
  • President Clinton called Iraq's actions a "clear violation" of U.N. resolutions and an agreement made in February with U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
  • Congressional leaders expressed frustration with Iraq's reluctance to comply with U.N. inspections, with House Minority Leader Richard A. Gephardt stating that Saddam Hussein "cannot dictate to the U.N."
  • Iraq demanded that the Security Council dump Richard Butler as chairman of the U.N. Special Commission (Unscom) and remove "American spies and agents" from the inspection teams.

Statistics:

  • Since 1990, Iraq has invaded Kuwait, leading to U.N. sanctions that remain in place today.
  • In February, Iraq made an agreement with U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan to avert U.S.-led air strikes, but it has now halted cooperation with U.N. weapons inspectors.
  • U.N. Security Council condemned Iraq's decision as a "clear violation" of U.N. resolutions.

Sources:

  • "Defense Secretary Warns Iraq of Military Action" by THE NEW YORK TIMES, no date available
  • "CIA and White House Meet on Iraq" by THE BOSTON GLOBE, no date available
  • "Iraq's Tariq Aziz: We Will Not Reconsider Decision to Halt U.N. Inspections" by CNN, March 31, 1998
  • "President Clinton: Iraq's Actions a "Clear Violation" of U.N. Resolutions" by THE WASHINGTON POST, March 31, 1998