Well, I guess its just about my time to grab the "soap-box" again.


I must say that througout this debate, alot of new evidence, points, and theories have been expressed, some good, some just out in left field. I still must say that I do enforce USA's position in putting "extreme" pressure on Iraq. I seriously believe, that if we weren't putting this much pressure on both Iraq, and the UN, that nothing would have been accomplished. As an effect of our pressure, this debate is taking place on a world scale, and because of this, the world has opened its eyes to the rouge country of Iraq.


I remember not even a year or two ago nothing was being done at all. The inspections stopped, Iraq went into its own little world, and once again they had the ability to run around and do 'who knows what'. It is thru the pressure of the United States that something is now being done about it. This point I hope, is very clear to everyone. It is now up to the UN to decide the best means of going thru with its mandates.

When the US pulled out of Iraq to allow the original inspections, Iraq knew that the US no longer was 'serious' about its war, and Iraq later kicked the inspectors out. They did this because our majority of forces, and NATO allies, had pulled out. If the NATO armies were still in the region, I really don't think Iraq would have pulled that move. They went directly against UN sanctions and nothing was done about it until now.

Why?

I believe that the only reason the UN has rekindled this issue is because the USA made it such a huge topic. I guess I have kind of regained some some confidence in the UN, to a point. As long as the topic stays in the headlines of the world, something is going to be done, either thru diplomatic process, or war. At least it is activly being investigated, and thats alot more than what was being done a few years ago.


I guess thru active debate like this (which I love), one learns the pro and cons of everything. My stance as it is now, is to continue with the inspections until they have been completely exhausted and furthur action is needed, which I believe will be the end case anyway.

As for France and Germany, well, they to have valid arguments. The last thing the world needs right now is more bombs and possible WMD being tossed around in their backyard. With many political figures in office, that lived thru WWII, the idea of this large of a scale war, well frankly must be scary as hell.


As for the economic reasons, everyone has either something to gain, or something to loose, its as simple as that, and I feel no need to go any furthur.

Well, thats where I stand now. Perhaps next week, after yet more talks in the UN, I may feel differently. But only time will tell...