9880. Strikes Imminent if Diplomacy Fails
By Linda D. Kozaryn
American Forces Press Service
DOHA, Qatar -- Military strikes against Iraq are imminent if
diplomacy fails and Saddam Hussein continues to deny U.N. weapons
inspectors unfettered access.
From Saudi Arabia, to Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab
Emirates, and here in Qatar, Defense Secretary William S. Cohen
spread the word: Time is running out. After months of
unsuccessful diplomatic efforts, the United States and other
allies are preparing to take action.
Nearly 27,000 American and British troops, hundreds of
fighter aircraft, two American carrier battle groups and one
British aircraft carrier are assembled in the region and more are
on the way.
U.S. defense officials deployed the USS Guam, a 2,300-Marine
amphibious readiness group and another 42 combat and support
aircraft.
Feb. 10, defense officials traveling with Cohen told
reporters another 3,000 ground troops would soon be deployed to
the region. Soldiers from Fort Stewart, Ga., will draw tanks,
tracks and other armored equipment from pre-position sites in
Kuwait.
While the strike forces gather, Cohen jumped from one Gulf
state to the next aboard an Air Force C-17. Greeted by defense
ministers, he then met with heads of state, government officials
and local journalists. Throughout the trip, he repeated one
primary message: Diplomacy is preferred, but if all else fails,
military force is the next option.
The United States and Great Britain contend Saddam Hussein
must open his doors to U.N. weapons inspectors, Cohen said. The
Iraqi leader must not be allowed to develop or deliver weapons of
mass destruction. "We believe he poses a threat to the stability
of the region, that he has the capacity to inflict great harm,
and has shown no hesitancy to do that in the past," he said.
The United States and Great Britain are not alone, Cohen
added. During the week of his travels, first Germany, then Canada
and Australia announced their support. "There is a growing
recognition that the U.N. resolutions cannot be flouted if they
are to maintain their integrity and credibility," Cohen said.
"We hope diplomacy will succeed," he said, "but if it
doesn't, then we must compensate and try to reduce his capacity
to build and deliver these weapons of mass destruction by
military means, if all else fails."
The gulf states, partners in crushing Hussein's ambitions in
1991 and 1994, also prefer diplomacy to military strikes, Cohen
said. But they recognize force may be necessary. Cohen said the
trip reaffirmed his confidence the gulf nations would continue
their strong support.
After meeting with Saudi Arabian King Fahd and Defense
Minister Prince Sultan, Cohen said they'd made it very clear
Hussein will be responsible if diplomacy fails and military
action is taken. "We have strong support from the Saudi
government and, as a result of our meeting, we're confident this
relationship will continue," Cohen said.
At a press conference here Feb. 10, Cohen said he believes
there is solidarity on this issue among all the states,
particularly among the gulf states who are the most at risk.
"Of all the people who should be concerned about the
development of anthrax or VX or Reisen, or other deadly chemical
or biological weapons," Cohen said, "it should be the people of
the Gulf region. They have been the victims of his aggression in
the past."
Hussein has killed thousands of Iraqi and Iranian citizens
using chemical weapons, Cohen said. And he has lied about
possessing such weapons.
After the Gulf War, Hussein stated he had no chemical or
biological weapons, Cohen said. Inspectors discovered, and
Hussein finally admitted that Iraq has as much as 2,100 gallons
of anthrax, nearly four tons of VX, and it's growing castor beans
to produce Reisen, a deadly poison for which there is no
antidote. Iraq was also preparing to deploy missiles bearing
these deadly toxins, Cohen pointed out.
Throughout the region, no one disputed the Iraqi threat, but
local officials and journalists alike expressed concern for the
Iraqi people. "Our quarrel is not with them," Cohen said. "We
believe they have suffered for many years under his brutal
dictatorship. We have a report coming out on how he has ruled
with absolute brutality against those who expressed any
opposition to his military objectives."
Evidence of American concern for Iraqi citizens can be found
in the oil for food program the United States initiated to help
them endure U.N. sanctions. "Saddam Hussein personally obstructed
that program for many months," Cohen said. "We have shown greater
concern for the Iraqi people than he has. While he has been
building monumental palaces, spending billions of dollars, his
people have been going hungry."
Cohen said the bottom line is simple. "Saddam holds the key
to the solution. He can end the crisis by unlocking his doors to
the inspectors. But if diplomacy fails, Saddam Hussein must carry
responsibility for the consequences."
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