As I write, the UN security Council has unanimously passed the much awaited
Resolution calling on Iraq to disarm and for weapons inspectors to return.
The Resolution contains language warning Iraq of 'serious conseuences' if it
does not give 'immediate, unimpeded, unconditional and unrestricted access'
to weapons inspectors. What I find interesting in the lastest development
are two things: first Syria's last minute decision to vote in support of the
Resolution as opposed to the much expected abstention and second US
Ambassador to the UN John Negroponte's statement that the resolution 'does
not constrain any state' from acting against Iraq. Syria must have changed
its position after consultations with other Arab states most of whom would
like to see the back of Saddam without the attendant consequencies of a
military confrontation. Ambassador Negroponte's reaffirmation of the US
position confirms the fears of many that regardless of whatever happens at
the UN HQ, Bush is going to pounce on Iraq anyway, and if necessary to do it
alone with Blaire in a supporting cast role.  Now that Bush has got the UN
resoultion he was forced by internatuonal public opinion to seek in the
first place and that both France and Russia are no longer insisting on
passing a second resolution before going to war, the task is now much easier
for Bush and Blaire to go to war against Iraq.  The more difficult task
facing Bush and Blaire is what to do with Iraq after Saddam has been
overthrown.

Sidi Sanneh





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