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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/talking_point/forum/2263375.stm
My 'brief' question is:
* Iraq had a number of concerns about the previous weapons inspections
regime which seemed to be more about humiliating Iraq, gathering
intelligence information and stringing out an excuse for genocidal
sanctions and less about qualitative disarmament.
* Disarmament of Iraq’s WMD was to take place within the context of
regional disarmament – there’s not been even the slightest gesture in this
direction (the US would veto any move on Israel of course).
* The US & UK placed some spies amongst the inspectors and used
inspections to collect data in order to target Saddam Hussein.
* The previous Chief Inspector (Butler) engineered a confrontation with the
Iraqis
* Instead of reporting to the UN he reported to the US and pulled out the
inspectors without UN approval.
* The US & UK then used the engineered confrontation to launch Desert
Fox massacring sleeping soldiers (amongst other things) thereby
undermining the UNSC, the inspectors and the long term monitoring
arrangements.
* The inspectors destroyed equipment that produced animal vaccines
without ensuring adequate alternative measures. A preventable foot and
mouth disease subsequently devastated Iraqi livestock.
Will things be different with UNMOVIC and Hans Blix or will the rogue states,
the US & UK, continue with their past practices?
Mark Parkinson
Bodmin
Cornwall
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