Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

EGYPT: "The U.S. And Britain's Undeclared War"

Ihsan Bakr wrote about the "undeclared war led by the United States and Britain daily against Iraqi children" in pro-government Al Gomhouriya (8/22): "The UNICEF report revealed that the situation of the Iraqi children is frightening.... The suspicious Arab silence against this crime raises questions about what is being plotted against Iraq and the Arab nation. This silence reveals the impasse which the Arab world has reached.... The Arab citizen cannot accept the false American claim that Iraqi rulers are alone responsible for what is happening to the Iraqi people.... If the West, led by the United States, is eager to overthrow the regime in Iraq, this will not be done by the suspicious financing of Iraqi groups abroad, which have no influence on the country. They do not represent the Iraqi people.... Arabs should tell the United States and Israel that what is important is the future of the Iraqi people."

"Arabs Were Shamefully Silent About UNICEF Report"

Salama Ahmed Salama opined in pro-government Al Ahram (8/18): "Arabs were shamefully silent about the recent UNICEF report about Iraqi children. While Arab media report about every detail of the American moves to overthrow Saddam and, like the American media, boast of continued American-British raids against Iraq, no one asks about the legal or non-legal reasons for this silent war. The United States, with the help of Britain, gave itself the right to practice illegitimate aggression, without a UNSC resolution, against the Iraqi people. In fact, the sanctions and shelling which hit civilian victims every day do not affect the Iraqi regime which the United States claims it wants to overthrow. But the Iraqi people pay the price.... After the UNICEF report, the United States hastened to deny its responsibility for killing Iraqi children and blamed Saddam for it under the pretext that he did not use the allocations to import the food and medicine Iraqi children need. Whatever Saddam's responsibility is, the United States is not acquitted of the organized elimination of the Iraqi people. Because Iraqi children belong to an Arab-Muslim country, the American and European conscience is quiet and cannot equate the Iraqis with the Yugoslavs, for example. The UNICEF report puts Clinton and Saddam on equal footing in killing the Iraqi children. Any American attempt to evade this responsibility will be a shameful spot in the history of humanity."

"Despite Humanitarian Situation, U.S. Insists On Continuing Blockade"

Pro-government Al Ahram asserted (8/17): "The humanitarian situation has deteriorated gravely after nine years of sanctions.... A UNICEF report said that the blockade deprives Iraqi children of their right to life. This situation drove many countries and NGOs to call for the lifting of the sanctions, especially since Iraq, according to impartial international reports, has fulfilled all its obligations to the UN. But the United States and some of its Western allies insist on continuing the blockade, disregarding these international reports."

BAHRAIN: "Why Must Arabs Justify Iraq's Mistakes?"

Semi-independent Al-Ayam had this comment by Ahmed Al-Boostah (8/22): "We understand the American purpose behind the economic sanctions against Iraq. But it is difficult for us to understand why Baghdad keeps providing the Americans with strong justifications (for punishing it). What is also not understandable is why, as Arabs, we are required to justify the fatal mistakes of the Iraqi regime and to vent our anger on the American administration."

"Arabs Hesitant To Call Iraqi Regime To Account"

Semi-independent Al-Ayam published this view by Mohammed Fadhel (8/19): "It is...sad that the comparison between Iraq and its enemies ends in favor of Iraq because 'it is an Arab country and its enemies are foreigners.' This false logic led to the great sin committed by the Iraqi regime: its invasion of Kuwait. We had to keep our eyes closed to its use of chemical weapons against the Kurds, for the sake of Iraq's unity. We had to swallow its occupation of an Arab country for the sake of the 'Arab unity' dream. We all say that the United States should lift the sanctions imposed against Iraq immediately, but when talking about the Iraqi regime's responsibility we are hesitant to say a word. We are talking about a leadership which is supposed to be responsible for its people and country. Let me ask this question: As a leadership, what responsibility does it have toward its people? I cannot understand how a leadership can enjoy such opulence, and live in luxury, and at the same time make all those noises about its starving people and dying children."

"Children's Food Exported By Iraq"

Semi-independent Al-Ayam had this comment by Ahmed Al-Boostah (8/18): "Yesterday, a ship was intercepted in Gulf waters, loaded with children's food exported by Iraq. It was carrying 250 tons of children's milk and baby products, violating UNSC resolutions and sanctions imposed against Iraq.... We would protest intercepting the ship if it was on its way to Iraq but not when it was re-exporting items which the Iraqi regime has been saying they are badly in need of! This re-exporting incident also came only days after publication of the UNICEF report on the increase in the deaths of Iraqi children as a result of lack of food. A few questions for those who are crying for the Iraqi children and do not hold the regime responsible for the continued suffering of the Iraqi people: Who was responsible for destroying, as estimated by the international organization, $270 million worth of medicine and medical items? Who is behind re-exporting milk and food meant for children? And who is behind the death of the Iraqi children?"

"Tragedy Caused By U.S. And Iraq"

Aqeel Swar argued in semi-independent Al-Ayam (8/17): "The tragedy of the Iraqi people, the like of which has never happened in the world before, is caused by both the United States and Iraq. However, this is not the important issue. What is important is that there are people killed in cold blood...and this is what should be stopped. Saddam Hussein has his reasons for doing what he is doing because, according to American measurements, he is a dictator, murderer and psychologically sick. But what reason does the United States--the great, the strongest and the best--have for competing with him (in killing the Iraqi people) and sharing the responsibility, 50-50 at least?"

"Why Donate A Million Dollars If Saddam Has Enough Food?"

Semi-independent Akhbar Al-Khalij ran this comment by Omran Salman (8/16): "The United States and Britain are once again playing the same old tune...that the regime in Iraq, and not the sanctions, is responsible for the suffering of the Iraqis. They used the report about the situation in the north to justify their claims.... Of course, Washington's justification does not convince anyone except its subordinate, Britain. What is even more funny is the State Department's announcement that it will provide a million dollar donation to the Iraqi children! If the American administration's claims are right--that Saddam has enough food and medicine but does not give that to his people--why donate a million dollars?"

"Americans Should Give Up Their Arrogance"

Mohammed Fadhel averred in semi-independent Al-Ayam (8/16): "The Americans should understand that the sanctions they planned and pushed the world to sponsor have long since failed. They should give up some of their political arrogance and the pride of a great power and realize that the game of survival they are playing with Saddam Hussein is fatal. When the issue turns to overthrowing a leader like Saddam Hussein, different calculations should be made, because the rules of logic which govern other political disputes in the world are not evident here."

"Last Nine Years Show Failure Of Sanctions"

Semi-independent Al-Ayam (8/15) offered this view by by Mohammed Fadhel: "When Iraq said many Iraqi children died in the last few years because of the sanctions it was right. When the American officials held the regime responsible for the death of many children they were also right.... Whoever knows the Iraqi president...[and] is aware of his history will realize that the words 'tolerance' and 'forgiveness' do not exist in his dictionary. However, the last nine years proved two things: the failure of the sanctions policy...and that, when dealing with Iraq, the world forgot...that this police state which implements the iron fist policy will use the impossible and the unimaginable to make the sanctions serve its interests and prolong its existence. However, this should not free the world from responsibility. The death of one child cannot be justified by the miscalculations of a superpower or the arrogance and the irresponsibility of the regime."

"Marking The Tenth Anniversary"

Adnan Bumtaia claimed in semi-independent Akhbar Al-Khalij (8/2): "Today marks the tenth anniversary of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. There are a large number of Arab people under embargo. There are military skirmishes which kill many innocent Iraqis under dishonest U.S. claims that they act in 'self-defense.'... As for the unjust embargo on Iraq, it seems that the United States and Britain will never end it.... The August 2 mistake will remain a pain in the Arab heart for decades, but the present crime committed against Iraq will be a pain in the heart of anyone in this world with a conscience."

JORDAN: "UNSC Bent On Elimination Of An Entire People"

Fakhri Kawar intoned in semi-government, influential Al-Ray (8/24): "The war against Iraq has not stopped since 1991. The death, hunger and blockade continue to besiege our brothers, destroying their culture, health and infrastructure, in addition to the military capabilities. The history of humanity has never witnessed as long a siege as this one, nor a war that aims to slowly kill the masses of people like this one.... The amazing contradiction here is that while UN organizations concerned with health and childhood are issuing one report after another about the deteriorating situation of the Iraqi people...the UNSC is acting otherwise, working hard to eliminate an entire people."

"The Mockery Of Continuing The Aggression Against Iraq"

Center-left, influential Al-Dustur opined (8/24): "Despite the mockery of the international sanctions on Iraq and the illegality of the no-fly zones, U.S. and British forces continue their attacks against Iraqi sites, both military and civilian. It seems that America and Britain have expanded their air attacks to include more civilian targets and without giving any reasons that would explain targeting innocent civilians who are already suffering from unjust sanctions.... We condemn the continued aggression against Iraq as well as the unjust sanctions against the Iraqi children.

"We hope that the daily killing of tens of Iraqi citizens in air strikes will not become just another piece of news that stirs no sympathy from brotherly countries who have the responsibility of putting an end to this farce."

"Iraq Is Burning In This War Of Attrition"

Center-left, influential Al-Dustur held (8/19): "The escalation of the Iraqi crisis continues. U.S. and British plane attacks that violate Iraq's sovereignty and independence have caused the loss of Iraqi lives and property.... This shows that the U.S. claims that those attacks target military sites and installations are void of every truth. The attacks are dangerous because they coincided with renewed U.S. calls for changing the domestic scene in Iraq... The most dangerous thing that this region can face is a continuation of the U.S.-British war of attrition against Iraq amidst silence. This war leads only to more suffering on the part of the brotherly Iraqi people and the innocent civilians.... As we watch with concern and condemnation the recent U.S. and British attacks against Iraq, we call for a serious and responsible Arab stand towards the Iraqi crisis. We also urge the Arab League to adopt a more serious role to unite the Arabs."

"Iraqis Pay The Price"

Jihao Momani had this op-ed piece in center-left, influential Al-Dustur (8/19): "Iraq must adopt any measure to get things moving. Standing fast in the face of the blockade is not a victory and keeping up the defiance means more Iraqi losses.... The Iraqi government must work towards lifting the sanctions, ending the suffering and regaining Iraqi's position in the world whatever the price.... Iraq and its people deserve better than what they are getting now.... The Iraqi government has no excuse for what is happening now, nine years since the blockade. It is either a battle from which Iraq emerges victorious and free, or an admission of defeat where the living are given a chance to heal their wounds and get up into the world again. The no-win, no-lose situation is costly and none other than the Iraqi man on the street is paying the price."

KUWAIT: "A Ploy To Gain World's Sympathy"

Mohammed Yousef maintained in independent Al-Anba (8/21): "The discovery of a boatload of Iraqi smuggled goods bound to one of the Gulf countries is indisputable evidence that the Iraqi regime is using economic sanctions to its advantage. The subject of starving Iraqi children is just a lie so that the regime can continue its oppression and receive the world's sympathy.... In order for Iraq to join the international community, the regime must be changed. And all UNSC resolutions must be implemented. That is the only way for Iraq to emerge from its isolation."

"World Must Cooperate To Isolate Saddam's Regime"

Independent Al-Qabas ran this piece by Abdul Muhsin Jamal (8/21): "There are new appeals asking for Saddam and his cronies to be tried as war criminals. These calls must take on an international dimension so that members of the Iraqi regime will be forbidden to travel freely. The Arab countries must also respond to these calls.... The world must cooperate with various international human rights organizations in order to isolate the regime."

"Iraq Exploits The Suffering Of Its Children"

Independent Al-Anba (8/18) ran this commentary by Abdul Rahman Al-Otaibi: "At a time when the Iraqi regime is demanding that sanctions be lifted and is attempting to link the issue to humanitarian aid...the Kuwaiti forces detain an Indian cargo vessel loaded with baby milk [sic] and other baby material bound from Iraq for the UAE. Knowing how the Iraqi regime operates, this certainly will not be the last incident. Kuwait's media must expose such violations in order to illustrate the nature of a regime that exploits the suffering of its children."

"Air Strikes Counterproductive"

Abdul Muhsin Jamal commented on the "continued American air strikes" in independent Al-Qabas (8/18): "[The air strikes] haven't overthrown the Iraqi regime, or weakened it. On the contrary, they have strengthened [Saddam's] position with his people and enabled him to receive Arab support against futile Western practices. Americans know full well how to get rid of Saddam if they want to, but they prefer the daily exercise for their air force."

MOROCCO: "Uncle Sam's Genocide"

Government-coalition Al-Bayane had this editorial (8/16): "The U.S. Congress recently called for President Clinton to address a new warning to the authorities in Baghdad. The subject is naturally the demand to see the return to the country of UNSCOM inspectors to pursue their search for weapons of mass destruction. The honorable representatives of the American people are still brandishing the threat of new strikes against Iraq.... Unmoved by the sad spectacle taking place between the Tigris and Euphrates, the American Congress wants to maintain pressure until the last of the Iraqi children.... They are the real target of U.S. Congressmen."

OMAN: "They Are Killing Iraq"

Omani national Salih Al-Fahdi claimed in independent Al-Watan (8/18): "Every day the flaming metal birds kill Iraq and every minute Iraq and the Arab and Islamic nation loses an innocent child.... Have we heard, following the UNICEF report, any Arab or Islamic condemnations of the economic sanctions against Iraq?... The great madam America as usual defends her policies regarding the imposition of economic sanctions against Iraq, accusing Saddam...of being the cause of the problem.... This America, whose sanction policies are no longer justifiable as they have lost cohesiveness, is the real cause for the shameful human disaster taking place in Iraq. UNSC Resolution 986, which allows for the partial export of Iraqi oil, for example, is no more than a foxy political maneuver played by Washington to shift attention from the tightening of sanctions it is imposing against Iraq.... The United States does not care about international conventions, as Secretary Albright has clarified boldly when saying, 'We will work in cooperation with others, if we can, and alone if necessary.'

"[DAS] for Near East Beth Jones said immediately after the UNICEF report was published that the Iraqi government and president are responsible for the death of this large number of children. She points out the decrease in infant mortality rate in Kurdish areas not under the control of the government, but ignores the fact that this is because of the direct help of relief organizations and the Kurds collect a share of the Iraqi sold oil in cash while the government has to submit any food or medicine requests to the sanctions committee.... Wouldn't million[s of] Iraqi children die within the course of 10 years when America is imposing sanctions on baby milk, penicillin, insulin, needles, nails, equipment and even material used for burial of the dead?... The news of the UN report was the hardest evidence yet on the arrogant acts Iraqis are subjected to, while the regime is not affected in any way."

"An Intolerable Situation"

Government-owned Oman ran this editorial (8/16): "The last UNICEF report on the increase of child mortality in Iraq makes us anxious over the living conditions imposed on the Iraqi people during the last nine years' international blockade. This report...has confirmed that at least half a million children have died.... This is an intolerable situation whatever the criteria and reasons are. Regardless of who's to blame...the experience of the long years of the embargo demonstrates that the continued adherence by the major parties in this 'dilemma' to the same viewpoints will have tragic consequences for innocent people.... The international community must make more efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Iraqi people.

"There should be a formula that is agreed to by international society and accepted by all the parties--who should relax their stance with regard to the main issues of international resolutions, control of arms manufacture and the no-fly zones."

"Who Is Embargo Intended To Punish?"

Egyptian Mohammed Abdulkhaliq asked in independent Al-Watan (8/15): "Who are the parties intended for punishment, the Iraqi people and children or the Iraqi regime? Is there any effect of the embargo on the Iraqi regime?... Nobody is going to believe that the target of the embargo is to penalize the Iraqi regime after all these long years of suffering on the part of innocent victims."

"It Shames All Humanity"

Sudanese Tariq Ashqar wrote in independent Al-Watan (8/15): "The UNICEF report confirmed that more than one-half million Iraqi children died during the period 1994-1999.... Accusations are still being exchanged between governments and authorities, despite the fact that the final result remains the same: Innocent people have been killed.... The catastrophe fell on the heads of Iraqi children, and some of us continue to try to be logical by reasoning that Iraq is responsible. Others insist on assigning blame to bureacracy by pointing the finger at the UN for insisting on the embargo, despite the justifications that could have helped in lifting it. Whatever proofs and justifications, the results shame all humanity.... This genocide against children, whether through embargo or politics, is an aggression against the future of humanity, not only in Iraq, but all over the world."

SAUDI ARABIA: "How To Eliminate Sanctions"

London-based, pan-Arab Al-Hayat carried a commentary by Riyadh Bureau Chief Dawood Al-Shriyan (8/19): "The most dangerous thing facing the Iraqi people is that sanctions and starvation might continue for an indefinite time because nobody is serious enough to bring an end to them. The Iraqi regime is unwilling to help lift them because the strength of this regime is linked to the continuation of sanctions.... The U.S. administration is keen to maintain them because they are the only reason for the extensive U.S. military presence in the region.... The Iraqi people do not need a military coup that might bring a worse regime. The Iraqi people need security, food and medicine. This can only be accomplished by turning the Iraqi opposition into peaceful pressure groups.... The Iraqi opposition must abandon the idea of running behind Martin Indyk and the like.... Then the tyrant will disappear without the need for weapons or killing."

"Scandalous"

Jeddah-based, moderate Ukaz ran this editorial (8/19): "The biggest scandal of the twentieth century...is that the Iraqi regime--which used to blackmail international public opinion...by releasing Iraqi children's pictures...and blaming international sanctions for killing its children--is the same regime which exported...tons of baby milk and medicine...to generate hard currency for their personal bank accounts."

"Starvation Of Iraqi Children"

Dammam-based, moderate Al-Youm opined (8/19): "The deeds of the evil and aggressive Iraqi regime include doing business which contributes to the suffering of the Iraqi children [by not providing them] sufficient nutrition and subjecting them to death--in order to justify its well known political and propaganda claims."

SYRIA: "Human Rights And Iraqi Children"

Taleb Abu Abed commented in government-owned Tishreen (8/18): "People in the West are not moved by the rising infant mortality in Iraq; they are refraining from taking any action to remove the sanctions. Affections are dictated by interests; the West dictates that half a million Iraqi children die so that it can live in prosperity and spend a fortune on pets. Can we really believe that the West is committed to human rights? Personally speaking, I don't think so."

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: "Law Of The Jungle Imposed By Washington"

Largest-circulation Al-Khaleej noted (8/15): "The UNICEF report...should shake awaken all sleeping consciences which have not been touched by that tragedy.... The daily attacks on Iraq target the Iraqi people, and not the regime's power as the Americans claim. The scandals of the inspection teams and their espionage for America contradict all lies promoted by Washington and London about the Iraqi weapons of mass destruction.... The irony is that Washington announced that it has allocated a one-million dollar donation to improve the Iraqi health situation. If Washington is really keen on what it claims, why does it insists on the extreme sanctions?... The only way through this is to stop the sanctions.... Iraq has turned into a graveyard for its own people to serve the new world (American) order. Arabs are required to stop the law of the jungle imposed by Washington in order to safeguard their Iraqi brothers."

"Washington And London Lack Good Will"

Dubai-based Al-Bayan opined (8/14): "The children of Iraq continue to bear the bitter consequences of the sanctions according to the recent UNICEF report. Although the report made the world community and the Iraqi government responsible for this, Washington and London claimed that Baghdad alone is responsible. The two nations demonstrated no good intentions to end the catastrophe."

"Iraq And Internal 'Reform'"

Largest-circulation Al-Khaleej maintained (8/4): "When the leader of the Iraqi regime continues with the same policy and language that led to the invasion, then the Americans (and British) will continue pursuing their goals against Iraq and the Arabs, and the Iraqi people will pay the price.... The sole concern of the Iraqi regime is its own well being and securing its continuity in power. The Iraqi people...are selling their books and home furniture to earn their daily living, and the regime is...building palaces and statues, strengthening its internal forces (guards) that oppress its people to add to their suffering from the American siege.... How can Baghdad act...as if nothing is happening? The only way [out] is to get rid of the internal siege and admit error, which would be the first step toward defusing the bombs that Washington and London drop to keep the fire of Iraq and the fire of the whole region blazing. The alternative is for the regime to continue to enjoy what it has and let everything else be submerged under the flood."

WEST BANK: "A Declined Gift"

Fuad Abu Hijleh commented in semi-official Al-Hayat Al-Jadida (8/17): "America's donation to Iraqi hospitals was a crude provocation aimed at Iraqi souls. The United States, which sends planes and missiles to kill Iraqi children, should not present them with financial donations. The United States, which wants to partition Iraq, should not bother about the conditions of the Iraqis. The United States, which bombs a hospital, should not give financial help to rebuild it--unless it were to kill and then attend the victim's funeral, which is not new to Washington."

EUROPE

FRANCE: "Forgotten Iraq"

Left-of-center Le Monde argued in its editorial (8/18): "Once again British and American planes have bombarded Iraq.... Hidden by the Kosovo crisis, this forgotten war led by Washington and London against Iraq has lasted far too long.... The civilian population remains the one and only target of the sanctions imposed by the UN nine years ago.... The Iraqi government refuses to accept the no-fly zones and what it considers to be a denial of its sovereignty.... The UNSC has been debating for several months now how to control Iraq's disarmament and alleviate the population's suffering.... Discussions are inching ahead very slowly, while Iraq insists it will accept nothing short of a total lifting of the embargo. In the meantime, Saddam Hussein has tightened his hold on the Iraqi people. Opponents to his regime, whether civilian or military, are said to be imprisoned and executed. International sanctions have not weakened the regime. But they have led to such a drastic decline of the country's infrastructures and pushed so many Iraqis into poverty that infant mortality has skyrocketed.... It is useless to say that Saddam is using this argument to ask for a lifting of the sanctions. It is just as useless to say that he is the cause of his people's suffering. These are obvious facts. It would be better at this point to find a solution to the deadlock."

"A War Of Nerves"

Jean-Jacques Mevel held in right-of-center Le Figaro (8/18): "It has become a war of press releases that say nothing. A war that no one sees.... After nine years of a face-off with Saddam, the White House has neither the political will, the military means nor the necessary allies for the coup the grace.... President Clinton prefers a strategy aimed at reducing Iraq's military arsenal step-by-step, but without success.... Has Saddam Hussein been weakened, or, on the contrary, strengthened? The question is being asked more and more often."

GERMANY: "Missiles"

Udo Ulfkotte stressed in right-of-center Frankfurter Allgemeine (8/19): "Nine years after the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, we do not hear anything about Saddam Hussein any more. The weapons inspectors have been withdrawn, and the opposition forces--which have been financed by Washington--are distinguishing themselves by fragmenting into various factions. What remains are the daily air strikes of British and U.S. fighter jets against Iraqi positions.... But apart from victims, they have had no effect. Baghdad was not impressed by these strikes at any time. What is then the purpose of the U.S. and British bombing of an army that has lost its ability to wage a war of aggression long ago?. Obviously, Washington and London are helpless and do not know what to do. As long as the UNSC is unable to reach an agreement on its future policy towards Iraq, Washington is demonstrating military power in the no-fly zones with a purpose that is hard to find. Instead of firing missiles almost on a daily basis, it would be much more reasonable to search for a way out of the untenable situation."

BELGIUM: "No, The Gulf War Is Not Finished"

Baudouin Loos commented in independent Le Soir (8/21): "On August 2, 1990, the Iraqi army invaded Kuwait.... Nine years later, a real war continues in Iraq between Saddam Hussein's regime and the United States, while the sanctions against Baghdad...remain in place, affecting only the civilian population.... This forgotten war is taking place while the social and economic situation in Iraq is marred by the strict international embargo imposed by the UN since 1990. On August 12, UNICEF released its first study on child mortality in Iraq since 1991. It shows that the mortality for children under five went from 56 to 131 per thousand. An estimate is easy to make: at least half a million children died mainly because of the sanctions.

"Washington and London deny these affirmations, pointing to Baghdad's policy--the alleged non-delivery to the population of food and medicines which Iraq possesses--as the main factor for this humanitarian catastrophe, something humanitarian agencies do not confirm. This tragic situation has long disappeared from Western media's headlines. Yet, it could very well last. The United States is demanding that Iraq comply with UN resolutions, while Baghdad is claiming that it has fulfilled the disarmament requirements.... But how could one be one hundred percent sure that a country as big as Spain does not hide anything any longer? In addition, Iraq says, Washington calls upon UN resolutions whereas the United States strikes almost daily without any world body's mandate. Besides, observers point out that, far from being weakened by the sanctions, Saddam's regime is emerging stronger, which is the opposite of the official White House's strategy."

"Why Continue Bombing?"

Foreign editor Gerald Papy commented in conservative Catholic La Libre Belgique (8/20) on the fact that the strategy behind the U.S. and British raids is increasingly questioned: "The outlook for a settlement of the Iraqi question is not bright. The military pressure does not seem to have weakened the nuisance capacity of Saddam Hussein, who has even stepped up repression to prevent any rebellion. Besides, Iraq's disarmament and its verification are still pending since the departure of the controversial UNSCOM. The UK has revived the debate on a possible 'way out of the crisis' by proposing, on draconian conditions, the end of sanctions on Iraqi exports. France is in favor of a proposed plan of strict financial control and of another way of verifying Iraq's disarmament. Even in Washington, a group of members from the House and Senate has proposed to Bill Clinton to give Iraq another deadline to fulfill its obligations toward the UN, on pain of 'serious consequences.' In other words, the current status quo cannot continue and decisions will need to be made in the fall for fear of seeing the international community getting bogged down in Iraq."

"Trying To Deal With The Deadlock On Iraq"

Foreign affairs writer Manu Tassier observed in independent Catholic De Standaard (8/19): "In the UNSC, exceptionally difficult talks are going on to get out of the deadlock. The superpowers are divided: The United States and Great Britain want to maintain the sanctions so long as Iraq does not meet all the UNSC demands. France, Russia and China believe that the embargo has lasted long enough. An additional problem is Washington's sensitivities. Last year, the United States said explicitly that Saddam Hussein himself is the cause of all the anguish and that he must disappear. Lifting the sanctions while Saddam remains in power would mean a loss of face for Bill Clinton. The Iraqi dictator's position is not threatened for the time being. He has lost part of the North to the Kurds, but his position in the rest of the country does not seem to be jeopardized. Except for the Kurds in the North and the Shiites in the South, internal resistance does not represent much. The United States is making efforts to unite the very divided opposition--a painstaking task. Washington is also cautious not to engage itself militarily in favor of the opposition, by, for example, expanding the no-fly zone to the whole of the country."

DENMARK: "High Time Sanctions Were Lifted"

Center-left Politiken commented (8/23): "It is high time that sanctions were lifted in Iraq. This should be accompanied by renewed political efforts to find a solution to the Iraqi problem which should incorporate the re-establishment of weapons inspections."

FINLAND: "Iraq Sanctions Becoming A Burden"

Leading, independent Helsingin Sanomat told readers (8/16): "Hospitals don't have enough medicine or other necessities.

"Citizens don't have enough food, and the basis of society is eroding: roads, water supplies, sewage systems, schools and all other sectors of society suffer from the embargo. The Hussein government blames it all on the UN and the Western alliance. The Western alliance meanwhile says that the 'oil for food' program is a sufficient source of revenue. The dispute took on a new dimension last week when UNICEF released its report, in which it put part of the blame on the alliance.... Seen from the outside, Saddam's grip on the country is strong. The sanctions help him to stay in power because it is easy to blame outside countries for the misery. At the same time, there is enough money for the military and the elites to live in luxury. The sanctions are becoming an increasingly serious problem for the UN and for the alliance...which cannot afford to allow Saddam to win this game."

HUNGARY: "Skepticism More Frequent"

Foreign affairs writer Gabor Zord noted in conservative Napi Magyarorszag (8/19): "Skepticism appears more frequently about the Iraqi no-fly zones, since they don't fulfill their original function, i.e., to decrease pressure from the Baghdad regime on minorities living on the Iraqi peripheries. At the same time, due to the presence of the [U.S.-UK] aircraft, Saddam Hussein appears to grow stronger."

THE NETHERLANDS: "Campaign Against Iraq Is Criminal, Immoral"

Marcel van Dam criticized U.S.-UK bombings in this commentary in influential, liberal De Volkskrant (8/19): "The United States and the UK have been bombing Iraq without a UN mandate for the entire year now.... The bombings have had no result except destruction. But much worse than the material damage is the humanitarian destruction caused by the economic sanctions.... I would like to see [Saddam] disappear as soon as possible [and] Iraq is a threat to stability in the region. Nevertheless, I find the way the campaign against Saddam is carried out criminal and immoral. Total economic sanctions are justified when used to force a country to accept a UNSC decision. If the population suffers from such sanctions then that is acceptable up to a certain limit. However, in Iraq this limit has been reached.... I really do not understand how it is possible that Clinton and Blair, who pulled out all the stops with humanitarian rhetoric to justify their bombing of Yugoslavia, can continue the isolation and suffering of the Iraqi people.... It is incredible that the politicians who regarded the bombing of Yugoslavia as a humanitarian duty, seem to have not the slightest problem with the murder of children in Iraq."

NORWAY: "Awful Price"

Independent tabloid Dagbladet (8/16) commented: "Iraqi children are paying an awful price for the sanctions against the country's dictator Saddam Hussein. A half million children under the age of five have paid the price with their lives, concludes UNICEF.... What is playing out in Iraq borders on the murder of a people in slow motion. Independent of Saddam Hussein's responsibility for the people's suffering...the international community cannot deny its responsibility for the children's situation in Iraq.... This does not mean that the sanctions should be removed without setting conditions. France has put forth a positive proposal on the gradual lifting of the sanctions.... The United States and Great Britain unfortunately are going against this and waging instead a destructive air war against Iraq in contravention of international law."

"Child Death In Iraq"

Northern Nordlys stressed (8/16): "There are hardly any surprising conclusions in the UN report that was released before the weekend.... [W]e are absolutely certain that Saddam Hussein is mainly responsible for the situation, and that he and his regime are certainly using such news for all it is worth."

SPAIN: "The Forgotten War"

Liberal El Pais opined (8/12): "The war of attrition against Iraq is being waged daily amidst worldwide indifference...and nine years of international sanctions against Saddam Hussein's country have now rolled by. The dictator, 61, retains a firm grip on the reins of power and has just named his younger son to be army commander, while his people continue to suffer hunger.... As experience has shown, sanctions have little effect in bringing tyrants to heel. But suspending them in this case, as desired by Russia, China and even France, would send Baghdad the wrong message: that intransigence pays dividends. Washington continues to view sanctions as a key element in its strategy aimed at containing the regional ambitions of the man who invaded Kuwait nine years ago and at inciting his army to rebel against him. Up to now that policy, as well as attempts to assist the divided Iraqi opposition, have done little good."

EAST ASIA

CHINA: "Stop Barbarity In Iraq"

Zhi Yan said in the official English-language China Daily (8/17): "Another three Iraqi civilians were injured in U.S.-British warplanes' attacks on a mosque in northern Iraq on Sunday.... For politicians in London and Washington, this is, at most, one of thousands of indirect 'accidents' that have happened in Yugoslavia and are going on in Iraq. In their minds, the minor casualties may be too trivial to be worthy of mention, considering their grand mission to safeguard so-called human 'common values'--their often-flaunted banner for worldwide intervention.... But, everyone who has an iota of sense knows that their actions in Yugoslavia and Iraq are solely for their own strategic interests."

"U.S. Gunboat Policy Hurts"

Chen Yali commented in the official English-language China Daily (8/4): "Both the air wars (against Yugoslavia and Iraq) have reflected U.S. thinking about 'going its own way,' disregarding the negotiation mechanism set by the UN. Whatever excuses the United States has made to defend its behavior, what it did has done great harm to the authority of the UN.... While Americans are intoxicated with bliss at beating down those who despise their world leadership, they should cool down to re-examine what dangers their irresponsible actions pose to world politics."

THAILAND: "Hollow Plea For Iraq's Children"

The lead editorial in the top-circulation, moderately conservative, English-language Bangkok Post held (8/22): "In the latest in a long series of hypocritical public displays, President Hussein has made a tearful plea for Iraqi children.... But his crocodile tears for the children of Iraq must be put into perspective. Iraq can get aid, sympathy and re-enter the world community easily. All it has to do is stop developing terrible weapons and give up its ambitions against its neighbors. It would be a good start if Baghdad would use its resources to treat its youngsters kindly. Surely that is more important than providing luxuries for the elite while blaming others for its unhealthy children."

"No End In Sight To Iraq Tragedy"

The lead editorial in the independent, English-language Nation commented (8/12): "It is clear that the United States will not stop punishing the Iraqi people until they remove Saddam. No wonder there is still no end in sight for the almost decade-long economic sanctions. This is despite numerous reports by UN agencies and other independent organizations that the debilitating sanctions are exacting a heavy toll on the Iraqi population, especially children....

"Last week, Iraq appealed to UNSG Kofi Annan to halt U.S. bombings during the eclipse. Pentagon spokesman Ken Bacon, in response, vowed that there would be no halt to the strikes.... If the Iraqis don't want to be attacked...can they simply not challenge allied planes flying in patrol of the no-fly zones? Yet Bacon has conveniently ignored the fact that the no-fly zones were unilaterally declared by the United States and are not approved by the UN. In any case, his message is clear: Do not dare to challenge the might of the United States. Accordingly, the world would be spared U.S. violence if we were to accept our place under the American sun."

SOUTH ASIA

BANGLADESH: "Sanctions Against Iraq"

Pro-government Sangbad maintained (8/21): "Experience of nine years shows that the United States, in the name of the UN, is controlling sanctions against Iraq for its own interests. Saddam and Iraq's war machine have been kept alive, but with limited capabilities, as part of the U.S. strategy. The United States does not want to see Iraq weak in front of Iran. Saddam does not have to pay a penny for the UN sanctions. His power has not been reduced, and his military strength has endured. It is Iraqi women, children, and the poor who have had to pay. They have been beaten by Saddam's barbaric rules and the UN-imposed sanctions as well. Now the UN will have to re-evaluate whether it wants to continue the ineffectual sanctions for which millions of innocent children in central and south Iraq have had to pay. The interests of Iraqi children and poor people must be considered--even if the sanctions are continued in order to cripple Saddam's war machine. Why will the world conscience bear the burden of sanctions which fail to do any harm to Saddam's aggressive military machine but cause innocent Iraqi children to pay dearly?"

"Sanctions Against Iraq"

Conservative, Bangla-language Ittefaq argued (8/11): "What is the utility of maintaining the sanctions, since the objective was to punish Saddam Hussein [and] he is still alive, well and kicking? According to an estimate by the UN itself, so far more than a million Iraqi people, most of whom were children, died due to these sanctions. Why should hundreds of thousands of children have to die due to the misdeeds of Saddam?"

INDIA: "Sanctioned Tragedy"

An editorial in the centrist Times of India held (8/16): "A recent study by UNICEF has confirmed that the economic sanctions in place over Iraq for the ninth successive year have taken a terrible human toll.... Even though this foolish and immoral plan has not worked so far, U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright has said that the death of half a million children is 'a price worth paying.'... It is time for the international community to bring this travesty to an end. Sanctions should be lifted, the bombing stopped and negotiations opened for the establishment of a more objective mechanism for monitoring Iraq's disarmament obligations. The people of Iraq have suffered long enough. The narrow national interests of the United States should not be allowed to block what is the only humane and civilized solution to the crisis."

"Sanctions Regime"

The right-of-center Pioneer had this analysis by Senior Editor Sidharth Bhatia (8/6): "Iraq under Saddam has become a running sore for the United States.... In the last few months, U.S. and British jets have bombed the no-fly zones regularly. But more than the bombings, it is the sanctions that have begun to hurt the Iraqi people....

"Even the UK, last week proposed a way out which would break the impasse over Iraq, tabling a draft resolution at the UNSC that sets out a timetable for withdrawing the sanctions, subject to Baghdad answering some questions about its weapons program.... This implies that only the United States is taking a hard line on the sanctions.... The UN is also debating how to get inspectors back into Baghdad after UNSCOM was withdrawn six months ago.... If Iraq agrees to let the weapons inspectors in, a softening of the sanctions regime may follow which would then open the floodgates."

PAKISTAN: "Homicidal Iraqi Sanctions Must End"

An op-ed column by Nisar Ahmad in Peshawar-based, independent Frontier Post (8/24): "Robert Gates once said that the Americans have been conditioned to see Saddam as a threat.... George Bush compared him to Hitler. This practice is in line with the U.S.' long history of creating and demonizing enemies to justify its offensive foreign policy goals and its massive military spending. The whole Iraqi nation has fallen victim to this psychotic state of the American mentality just as Japan...was demonized during WWII."

WESTERN HEMISPHERE

BRAZIL: "Resisting Baghdad's Overtures"

Afternoon Jornal da Tarde had this piece by Ambassador Antonio Amaral de Sampaio (8/19): "The Iraqi government is launching a diplomatic offensive...to free the country of the sanctions imposed by the UNSC and to re-establish the relationship with the governments that temporarily removed their diplomatic missions from Baghdad.... The attempts of Baghdad's government to normalize its bilateral relations with Brazil and acquire our sympathy in the Security Council should be rejected because in the past Iraq showed itself not to be a reliable partner and betrayed the confidence placed in it by the international community."

CANADA: "U.S. Wishes Iraq Issue Would Just Go Away"

The conservative National Post commented (8/12): "Sure enough, an Iraq crisis is brewing at the UN. Since December, the UNSC has sought a solution amenable to the Iraqis (who want sanctions lifted immediately), the French, Russians and Chinese (who want to lift the sanctions if inspectors return), and the Americans and British (who want sanctions lifted only when Iraq is judged WMD-free). What the Americans really want, of course, is for the whole, interminable Iraq issue to go away, so Mr. Clinton can enjoy an uneventful final year in the White House.... To lay the groundwork for a gradual U.S. withdrawal from Iraqi affairs, the Clinton administration is downplaying the threat from WMD--a marked change from its terrifying rhetoric last December. Likewise, the president has recently shut the door in the face of the main democratic opposition umbrella-group, the Iraqi National Congress (INC), whom he had previously supported.... Iraq has failed to account for thousands of tons of chemical weapons and biological agents, let alone the components and, possibly, material, required for nuclear missiles.... The long-term policy for the West should be to aid those able to overthrow the regime, such as the INC, and replace it with a friendlier, less martial, government."

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8/24/99

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