Global Policy Forum

Archived Articles

Persian Gulf—or Tonkin Gulf? (December 30, 2002)
The American Prospect argues that the "illegal no-fly zones could be war's trip wire." According to this article, no UN resolution exists to legitimize these zones, and current international law justifies Iraq's attempts to defend its air space. Yet, the no-fly zones may serve as the "hidden trigger" for war.

The Secret War: Iraq War Already Under Way (December 20, 2002)
While everyone talks about the possible launch of a war against Iraq, The Mirror argues that the war has never ended since 1991. Carried out under the unlawful cover of the UN No-Fly zones, the US and British bombings are considered to be "the longest Anglo-American campaign of aerial bombardment since World War Two."

The Abuse of the No-Fly Zones as an Excuse for War (December 6, 2002)
Foreign Policy in Focus shows how the Bush administration, in its eagerness to wage a war against Iraq, tries to use the No-Fly Zones and Iraqi firings at US and British planes to launch the assault.

Britain and US Step Up Bombing in Iraq (December 4, 2002)
The UK and the US have increased their bombing of southern Iraq by 300% since March, dropping an average of 15 tons of ordnance a month. UK officials admit that the two countries use the no-fly zones to strike out Iraq's air defense system and that the raids have nothing to do with protecting the population of southern Iraq. (Guardian)

Moscow Condemns US-British Air Raid on Iraq (December 2, 2002)
Russia maintains UK-US air strikes on Iraq "are not sanctioned by the UN Security Council" and violate the consensus within the UN Security Council over the need to respect Baghdad's sovereignty and territorial integrity as stated in resolution 1441. (Agence France Presse)

Iraq Complains to UN Over Raid (December 2, 2002)
In a letter to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, Iraqi Foreign Minister Naji Sabri describes US and British raids of Iraqi "no-fly" zones as a form of "terrorism, wanton aggression and rude interference in Iraq's internal affairs." (Reuters)

Annan Says Iraq's Firing in No-Fly Zone not a Violation (November 19, 2002)
Secretary General Kofi Annan contradicts the US interpretation of UN Resolution 1441 and argues that Iraq's actions in the "no-fly" zones do not violate the resolution. The US stands alone in interpreting an inclusion of "no-fly" zones in the resolution and claiming Iraqi "material breach." (Reuters)

US Pilots Enforce Iraq No-Fly Zone (November 11, 2002)
US and UK pilots have been over-flying Southern and Northern Iraq since the no-fly zones were created in 1991. In recent months, the number of sorties has increased, enabling pilots to spot targets for a potential large-scale attack on Iraq. "To fly over the same territory you're going to attack is a real luxury," comments a US Air Force commander. (Associated Press)

United States Weighs Strike on Iraq (July 30, 2001)
Rumors abound that the US is planning retaliatory strikes against Iraq after it attempted to shoot down a US spy plane. But an air or missile campaign would allow Saddam to proclaim his country the victim of US aggression and renew his plea for an end to the enforcement of the no-fly zones. (Stratfor)

US Policy Toward Iraq: Policy Alternatives (June 2001)
This position paper from Foreign Policy in Focus gives some background information and proposes alternative US policies on arms control, economic sanctions, human rights, no-fly zones, Iraqi opposition and environmental issues in Iraq.

Cuts Urged In Patrols Over Iraq (May 9, 2001)
US military officials recommend reducing patrols in the no-fly zones due to the "danger" of US pilots being shot down. This call comes as the Bush administration reviews its policy on Iraq and is seeking international support for a "new system of smart sanctions". (Washington Post)

Britain Seeks U-Turn Over Iraq Bombing (January 7, 2001)
The Observer reports that UK policy on Iraq is being reviewed, and that this could result in Britain dropping its support for the southern no-fly zone, and advocating the implementation of ‘smart sanctions'.

Saddam Condemns UN Security Council Members for Inaction (December 23, 2000)
A Chinese government delegation flies to Iraq, and is told by Saddam Hussein that the US and UK violate Security Council resolutions almost daily by bombing Iraq. (Associated Press)

Iraq Vows to Destroy No-Fly Zones (November 6, 2000)
Iraqi Airways resumed domestic flights yesterday for the first time in almost ten years, and will continue flying through the no-fly zones "until US-British arrogance is broken," according to Iraq's foreign minister. (BBC)

Iraqi Paper Condemns US, Britain on No-Fly Zones (August 28, 2000)
The bilateral action by the US and Britain to impose the infamous no-fly zones in Iraq has come under increasing criticism as an excuse for these countries to keep bullying Iraq. People's Daily further adds that no such zones were ever authorized by the Security Council.

France Calls for Lifting of Sanctions Against Iraq (August 1, 2000)
The US-UK bombing is "useless and not understandable" and sanctions against Iraq are "cruel, inefficient and dangerous," says the French Foreign Minister. (Xinhua News Agency)

Thirteenth Report of the UK Ministry of Defence (July 26, 2000)
A Defence Committee report from the UK House of Commons on Iraq. The report justifies UK involvement in patrolling No-Fly zones as an important "humanitarian mission" to protect minorities against Saddam, despite a questioning of its legal justification.

Under Iraqi Skies, a Canvas of Death (June 16, 2000)
The US and UK's retaliatory attacks against Iraq's anti-aircraft firings in the "no-fly" zones has resulted in more than 300 Iraqi, mostly civilian deaths. An increasing number of states are expressing uneasiness about supporting the Clinton administrations' intentions. (Washington Post)

Russia Strongly Criticizes US-British Patrol of Iraq Zones (June 9, 2000)
During the UN Security Council discussion concerning the renewal of Iraq's oil-for-food program, Russia criticized the sanctions as "not dealing with the crux of the problem," and joined with China in condemning the US and UK air strikes. ( Associated Press )

Iraq Slams Gulf Silence Over Civilian Deaths in US Raids (April 9, 2000)
In the wake of last Thursday's US-led air strike that killed 14 civilians and wounded 19, the heaviest casualty toll this year, Iraq issued harsh words condemning the silence of Gulf Arab states - most notably Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. (Agence France Presse)