This section includes articles on a wide variety of topic relating to Iraq, including background issues, policy considerations, and more.
2003
Is the UN 'Irrelevant' with Regard to Israel Too? (February 18, 2003)
Matthew Riemer discusses the US double standard regarding UN resolutions. It threatens Iraq with war for not fully complying with UN resolutions but when Israel breaks a resolution any preemptive measure is vetoed or neglected by the US. (Yellow Times)
Bush Administration, the United Nations, and NATO (February 14, 2003)
The US government claims that the relevance of the United Nations and NATO depends on their capability to take action on Iraq. This Foreign Policy in Focus) article argues however that it is the relevance of the US position that is questionable.
Understanding the US – Iraq Crisis: A Primer (January 30, 2003)
In this publication, Phyllis Bennis answers questions about the Iraq crisis ranging from issues such as why the US rush to war, historical aspects and consequences of a possible conflict. The author also brings up alternatives to war and what the US response should include. (Institute For Policy Studies)
Just Don't Call It "Class Warfare": Invisible Neighborhoods, Irrelevant People from Chicago to Baghdad (January 16, 2003)
As the Bush administration promotes a new "economic stimulus" plan that would put money back into the hands of the obscenely wealthy, it is also stiffening up "welfare to work" requirements, cutting back on social services, and pursuing an extravagantly expensive campaign against Iraq. This ZNet article calls it by its name: a war on the poor.
Thousands of US Military Families Live in Poverty (January 15, 2003)
As the US gears up for a multi-billion dollar war on Iraq, many soldiers and their families are barely scraping by. According to a recent US Defense Department survey, nearly half of lower-rank soldiers face "substantial financial difficulties," and many require food assistance. (Voice of America)
2002
Déjí Vu All Over Again (October 15, 2002)
"Haven't we been here before?" asks Phyllis Bennis, as she recalls how Washington already bribed and menaced Security Council members in the past to obtain their support for the US position, especially on Iraq. (ZNet)
Iraq and Poison Gas (August 28, 2002)
The US has always known about Baghdad's deployment of chemical weapons and their use against his own people, especially during the Iran-Iraq War. "What did the US government do about it then? Nothing," reports The Nation, "until ‘gassing his own people' became a catchy slogan to demonize Saddam."
Non-Aggression Agreement Between Iraq and Kuwait (March 28, 2002)
The text of the compromise agreement between Iraq and Kuwait on a pact of non-aggression. (Agence France Presse)
Iraq Asks UN if US Actions Violate International Law (March 21, 2002)
Iraqi Foreign Minister Naji Sabri supplies UN Secretary General Kofi Annan with documents questioning the legality of US actions against Iraq and seeks any response from the Security Council. (Associated Press)
What Tony Blair Needs to Know: An Attack on Iraq Without UN Authorization Would be Illegal (March 15, 2002)
The UN Charter unequivocally states: "in the absence of an attack, the [UN] Security Council alone can act." The Guardian argues that taking action against Iraq without UN authorization is not only illegal, but would also undermine international security.
Arabs Don't Want War On Iraq (March 13, 2002)
As the Arab countries "don't want the Americans to package a new war [against Iraq] for them," they hope to distract US's attention in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian quagmire.(Independent)
Rush of US Diplomacy Deepens Arab Concern About Intentions Towards Iraq
(March 12, 2002)
Increased US diplomatic activity in the Middle East raised concern among the Arab countries that the US's real motivation is to avoid a two-front war by first quieting Palestine before dealing with Iraq. (Agence France Presse)
Russia, France Offer Gauge for Iraq Policy (March 12, 2002)
In order to avoid the worst-case scenario of military confrontation, the US State Department hopes that the weakening Iraqi support by France and Russia can send important signals and induce change in Saddam Hussein's regime. (Boston Globe)
Saddam Must Allow Weapons Inspectors Into Iraq or Suffer the Consequences (March 5, 2002)
In an editorial for the London Times, British Foreign Minister Jack Straw praises the virtue of "smarter sanctions" and the drafting of a new Goods Review List, passing the blame to Saddam Hussein.
Blair Warned: Iraq Attack 'Illegal' (February 29, 2002)
Government legal experts condemned US-UK attack on Iraq as illegal without a new UN mandate. The advice has led the Foreign Office to warn Blair that a fresh UN resolution could best ensure Russian and moderate Arab support for any attack against Saddam Hussein. (Independent)
Iraq and the UN Security Council (February 28, 2002)
The new US doctrine assesses "defense needs in terms of others' capability, not in terms of the actual threat they pose. " However, the UN Security Council, which exists, and is fully mandated, to deal with precisely such threats, should deal with the potential threat to peace and security posed by Iraq. (International Herald Tribune)
