Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

MIDDLE EAST

BAHRAIN: "Elimination Of Iraq As An Arab Power"

Leading semiofficial Akhbar Al-Khalij ran this comment (8/3) by Adnan Bumtaia: "Iraq wanted to occupy Kuwait, but the fact is that it has allowed itself to be occupied.... In the north, Turkey has been able to fulfill its greed and Israel used the excuse of its alliance with Turkey to build advanced espionage stations in the north, not to spy on Iraq alone, but Syria too. In the south, the Iranians have gone ahead and destroyed what the planes of the allies were unable to do. The center has become a field, for UN inspectors, to humiliate the Iraqis.... In addition to all that, the elimination of Iraq as an Arab power, has made it easy for the United States to push the Arabs to the Madrid conference and force them to sign peace treaties with Israel."

"1990, Hottest Summer In The Gulf"

Abdul Hakim Al-Subhi wrote in leading, semiofficial Akhbar Al-khalij (8/2): "The August of 1990 was the hottest August ever for the people of the Gulf. It has been recorded with bitterness in the history of the Gulf.... The bitterness, which is still ongoing, is felt mainly by both the Kuwaiti and Iraqi peoples. Both are victims of that incident.... Despite the military superiority of the Zionist entity, the Iraqi military arsenal was worrying the Western countries, therefore (the West decided) it should be destroyed.... And this invasion was used to destroy the Arab nation.... Although their plan did not succeed fully, it has really harmed the Arab nation."

"Goal Is To Destroy Iraq"

Leading, semiofficial Akhbar Al-Khalij ran this comment (7/24) by Mousa Saeed: "The resignation of Denis Halliday expresses his frustration and disappointment of the work of the UN committees...and is a clear message to those who insist on the continuation of the sanctions despite the sufferings of the Iraqi people. It is also a message to those who insist on moving the situation from one crisis to another, not for the sake of uncovering weapons of mass destruction which they have failed to find for the past eight years, but to continue to destroy Iraq, which is their real goal."

EGYPT: "Iraq Has Destroyed Arab Solidarity"

Pro-government daily Al-Akhbar held (8/3): "Since the invasion of Kuwait, Iraq has become the sick Arab man.... Since the current regime came to power, it has threatened Iraqi resources and wealth.... It has continued its foolish acts, with the invasion of Kuwait and the ensuing war. [Iraq] has destroyed Arab solidarity, for which President Mubarak has exerted a tremendous effort."

QATAR: "Iraq And MEPP Will Be First Victims Of Scandal"

Semi-independent Al-Watan had this editorial (8/3): "The United States...is not in a position to look for alternatives to sanctions imposed on Iraq, especially in light of the White House intern scandal. Iraq, as well as the MEPP, will be the first victims of the scandal. This situation will continue until the fate of the Lewinsky case becomes clearer and any talk about the possibility of lifting sanctions in October is just speculation. Sadly, this is what Iraq must deal with...because confrontation is the only thing Washington wants to escape from its president's crisis."

SAUDI ARABIA: "U.S. Imposes Arab And Muslim Sanctions"

London-based, pan-Arab Al-Hayat opined (8/1), "America has imposed economic sanctions on Iraq, Sudan and Libya. The sanctions on Iraq were reasonable when Kuwait was occupied, but Kuwait has been liberated. The sanctions have remained on Iraq for eight years, causing harm not to the Iraqi regime but to the Iraqi people. It is the same situation in Sudan, Libya, Iran and Pakistan. The United States hurries to impose economic sanctions against any Arab or Muslim state that disagrees with American policy, in spite of the fact that sanctions have failed in achieving their goals. International sanctions have failed to move forward the trial of the two Libyan suspects (in the Pan Am Lockerbie bombing). American enmity against Arabs and Muslims would not lead us to expect a fair trial for the suspects. This century has seen the U.S. creation and practice of sanctions. At the same time, the United States has stood against the Arab states' imposition of a boycott against Israel."

"America And Iraq"

London-based, pan-Arab Al-Sharq Al-Awsat ran this commentary by Ahmad Abu Al-Fateh (8/2): "Washington is trying hard to find any reason to keep sanctions on Iraq.... Clinton has imposed sanctions on Russian companies which Washington claims have helped Iran develop its nuclear program.... Washington continues its enmity toward Arabs and Muslims in order to serve Israel and to allow it to achieve its ambition to control our countries. Washington has failed in establishing a Middle Eastern organization which would open our doors to Israel. At the same time, Washington is against any decision to stop the normalization process with Israel."

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: "Sanctions"

Sharjah-based, influential Al-Khaleej observed (8/3): "The Iraqi regime is doing everything possible to remain in power while the United States and its allies are ensuring this and maintaining the sanctions on Iraq of which the Iraqi people are the victims. The only way to end the sanctions, which have clearly failed to punish the culprits, is for the international community, and Arabs in particular, to stand against the United States on the issue. What does the United States really want from Iraq? Knowing well that Iraq is no more a 'threat' to its neighbors as they always claim, the United States is trying to incite the Iraqi regime to commit yet another blunder so that they use that as an excuse to maintain the sanctions."

"What Does Butler Want From Baghdad?"

Abu Dhabi's government-owned Al-Ittihad asked (8/3), "What does Butler want from Baghdad?... He returns today with a clear warning from the Iraqi leadership that if he does not end his mission soon and close the files on weapons to prepare for lifting the sanctions, Iraq will deal with the Security Council in a different manner to force it to lift the sanctions.... We hope that Butler does not repeat what happened in his last visit by giving two different statements: One in Baghdad before leaving assuring that there is light at the end to the tunnel and that the sanctions are about to be lifted and in New York at the United Nations deny that."

"Eight-Year Anniversary Of Iraq's Invasion Of Kuwait"

Abu Dhabi's government-owned Al-Ittihad held (8/2), "A black day in Arab history: The date of August 2, 1990, cannot pass away without reminding Arabs of the crisis which led to more crises. Iraq's invasion of Kuwait was the black day in history of Arabs. The anniversary is an occasion to think and learn lessons. Though wounds take time to heal, the fact remains that Iraq and Kuwait are neighbors and have common religion and language. The Arab nation has remained divided and involved in internal differences since Iraq's invasion of Kuwait eight years

ago. Since that day, the Arab nation has been flooded with political, economic and security crises, which would not have happened with such an effect if the Arabs had been united. The Arabs are helplessly watching the expansion of Jewish settlements. Arab countries have other problems as the war in south Sudan, terrorism in Algeria and border disputes between some countries. All Arabs should learn the lesson and make sure that this incident which occurred eight years ago will not happen again because the Arabs paid a dear price for it."

"A Call For Arab Reconciliation"

Dubai-based, government-owned, financial Al-Bayan said (8/2): "A call for Arab reconciliation: Eight years after the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait for which not only the Iraqi people but the whole Arab world have paid a great deal, it seems that an Arab reconciliation remains the only viable solution. The invasion of Kuwait has added to Arab woes and made Israel the sole beneficiary of this situation. The time is crucial because Israel is not only devouring Jerusalem and the Golan Heights but striving hard to control the Arabs politically and economically."

EUROPE

BRITAIN: "New Crisis In Region"

On Iraq, BBC Radio's World Service reported (8/4): "The news that the UN's chief weapons inspector, Richard Butler, is cutting short his talks in Baghdad foreshadows a new crisis in the region. After a day of proposals and counter-proposals, Mr. Butler realized there wasn't much to gain in staying on.... But this is, after all, about serious things. Serious and deadly weapons, in fact. And the nastiest in the human arsenal. And trust is not something the Iraqis have earned in international affairs. Richard Butler came to Baghdad hoping to find a way through this political minefield that was both safe and certain. He has not found it."

"Iraq's Record Of Dishonesty"

The conservative Times held (8/4): "There is every reason to suspect that Iraq has not abandoned its biological, chemical and nuclear ambitions. Its past record of dishonesty and evasion demands that an exceptionally high hurdle of credibility has to be cleared before it can be awarded a clean bill of health. Saddam has, in the course of 1998, come dangerously close to imposing terms of reference and a tight timetable on those who are meant to be inspecting his activities. The removal of international sanctions without cast-iron restrictions on his military machine would be an enormous victory for his regime. Mr. Butler deserves to be supported in his endeavors and encouraged to leave no stone unturned in his search for evidence."

"These Iraq Talks Are Achieving Nothing"

The centrist Independent opined (8/4): "The regular meetings between the UN weapons inspector, Richard Butler, and the Iraqi ministers have become an endless litany of polite hopes and practical hopelessness.... Sanctions have become a gesture not of intent or of value--they may even make Saddam's hold over his country stronger, not weaker--but of lack of alternative. They should not be. If the object is really to topple the regime and reintroduce Iraq into the Middle Eastern fold, then there is a lot to be said for relieving sanctions and promoting the free trade of goods and ideas. These have had far more success in bringing down Communism than ever force has. Why not in the Middle East too? The time has come for a new strategy to cope with the Butcher of Baghdad."

"Iraq Fears Butler Will Keep Sanctions"

The centrist Independent reported (8/3): "In what may be the first step towards renewed confrontation between Iraq and the UN, Richard Butler returned to Baghdad yesterday for meetings with Iraqi leaders.... Iraqis are not optimistic that Mr. Butler is anywhere near certifying that Iraq has no more weapons of mass destruction. He produces his next six-monthly report on Iraqi compliance in October, the moment when a new crisis is likely to explode. Mr. Butler's current visit --termed 'decisive' by Iraq--has been preceded by skirmishes between weapons monitors and Iraq."

RUSSIA: "U.S. Policy Helped Hussein Tighten Control Of His Country"

Gayaz Alimov said in reformist daily Izvestiya (8/4), "The U.S. administration has worked out a plan to unite Iraqi opposition leaders in exile.... Using every opportunity to topple the Iraqi regime is characteristic of the U.S. administration, a policy which need not be condemned or approved. Washington has its reasons to act that way which is basically correct. But aren't the Americans late trying to influence the totalitarian bastion otherwise? In the years of confrontation with the United States, Hussein has crushed internal opposition completely. By being tough and intransigent, Washington has made the Iraqis come together, rallying to their leader. They may not want a 'father of the nation' from abroad."

GERMANY: "U.S. Plan To Oust Saddam"

Udo Ulfkotte held in right-of-center Frankfurter Allgemeine (8/4): "While the head of the UN delegation, Richard Butler is in Baghdad for talks about Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, Washington has drafted a plan to oust the hated dictator.... It seems to have been forgotten that the United States had a similar failed plan in the summer of 1996.... This was one of the most serious defeats in the history of the CIA. Obviously, Washington has not come to terms with this humiliation and wants revenge. But the domestic situation in Iraq has not changed since then. Saddam Hussein is still firmly in the saddle. It is wishful thinking to hope that a U.S.-funded radio broadcast can weaken Saddam. An intact Iraqi opposition, which enjoys the support of the people, has not been visible. This is why presenting the old plan again is doomed to failure."

"An Anti-Saddam Is Not In Sight"

Rudolph Chimelli wrote in centrist Sueddeutsche Zeitung of Munich (8/4): "If Saddam is ousted and if Iraq continues to exist, a man is needed who is as strong as Saddam but without his cruel excesses. Such a man is not in sight. But even a pluralistic regime, if one could be created with just ten million dollars and a subsidiary of Radio Free Europe, would have congenital defects. American friends in the Arab world would hardly welcome the freedom for dozens of groups in a coalition that is representative of Iraq's society. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, as Iraq's neighbors, could be similarly infected."

ITALY: "Turning Point In U.S. Policy Toward Saddam"

An editorial in provocative, classical liberal Il Foglio held (8/4): "Pressed by Congress, the Clinton administration has approved a plan to relaunch opposition against Saddam Hussein in Iraq and to denounce the Iraqi president for war crimes.... These moves mark a turning point in the U.S. policy toward Saddam.... Now the Americans openly aim at overthrowing the Saddam regime. Their next step will be an attempt to build a military alliance between the United States and the two Kurdish leaders...who are involved in a guerrilla war in northern Iraq. Secretary of State Albright, who aims at overcoming recent contradictions, has invited...both Massud Brazani and Jalah Tabani...to come to Washington.... Since a climate of detente, based on

significant oil agreements, has been reached with Iran, Washington is no longer concerned about the equilibrium of the area. It has become possible to get rid of Saddam. The Kurdish leaders might overcome their rivalries and build an armed opposition to the dictatorship in the northern part of the country...the democrats in exile should prepare the succession.... Now the world's leading power appeals to the Iraqi people to help them get rid of the dictator. And 'Radio Free Iraq' will talk about democracy to the Muslim world."

SOUTH ASIA

BANGLADESH: "Justice Versus Injustice: Iraq"

Conservative Ittefaq maintained editorially (8/4), "The UN sanctions against Iraq have been continuing for the last eight years. This is the most stringent measure taken by the UN against any country.... At present, some observers opine that the punishment which was once imposed for violating international discipline seems now an injustice to the Iraqi people. Many, therefore, now demand an end to the punishment. Many countries do not favor continuing sanctions against Iraq.... The Arab world is sympathetic to Iraq as sanctions continue against the Iraqi people. Iraq is being given humanitarian assistance. The UN, being somewhat helpless has also allowed planes with humanitarian assistance to land in Iraq. The Gulf states themselves are not taking any effective measure against Iraq's oil smuggling. Syria has also opened its doors to border trade. It can be said that the world opinion has now turned around. It is now sympathetic to the distressed Iraqi people. Observers think that the UN, especially the U.S. and British leadership, must consider the changed situation."

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8/4/98

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