Operations in Iraq: First Reflections Chapter 1: Policy Background to the Operation
1.3 In view of the Iraqi regime's failure to comply with the will of the United Nations, and based on the authority provided by a series of UN resolutions since 1991, the UK joined a US-led coalition that was prepared to use force as a last resort to secure Iraqi compliance. The Government's overriding political objective was to disarm Saddam of his weapons of mass destruction, which threatened his neighbours and his people. It also undertook to support the Iraqi people in their desire for peace, prosperity, freedom and good government. The Government emphasised that, if forced by Saddam to take the military route to achieve the disarmament of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, it would do all it could to minimise civilian casualties and damage to essential economic infrastructure. It would also mobilise the international community to provide emergency humanitarian relief. 1.4 On 24 February, the UK, the US and Spain tabled a draft resolution, making it clear that Iraq had failed to take the opportunity provided in UNSCR 1441. Despite significant diplomatic efforts, it was reluctantly concluded that a Security Council consensus on this new resolution would not be possible. Faced with continuing Iraqi intransigence, coalition forces commenced military operations against the Saddam Hussein regime on 20 March 2003. |
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