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EDITORIAL
A
unified voice on Iraq
The world sent an important message to Iraqi President Saddam Hussein
when the U.N. Security Council unanimously approved a resolution demanding
that Iraq submit to unfettered inspections of its weapons programs or
face “serious consequences.”
The agreement gives us a slim sense of hope that Iraq can be disarmed
without a war. The Bush administration must keep this hope alive by continuing
to work through the U.N. to ensure that tough new inspections can work
in Iraq.
This won’t be easy. On Monday, the Iraqi parliament voted to reject
the United Nations resolution. Many believe Saddam, however, will eventually
agree to the U.N.’s demands and that the parliament’s stand
was just for show, a way to make the Iraqi dictator look like a good guy.
The best way to disarm Iraq is through the U.N., not a unilateral U.S.
military action. The U.S. must be prepared to stand down if Saddam complies
with the U.N.’s demands, and the U.N. Security Council must be prepared
to enforce its demands if Baghdad balks. And if Saddam is overthrown,
a long-term nation-building effort must take place. This will be most
successful, not under the leadership of the U.S., but under the watchful
eye of the United Nations.
That’s what makes it so important that the U.N. follows through with
its latest resolution and why the Bush administration must sincerely work
with the U.N. to make it work.
—Robert
Mihalek
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