US Continues Diplomatic, Military Preparations for War with Iraq

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, November 19, 2002

US Continues Diplomatic, Military Preparations for War with Iraq

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

As the United Nations weapons inspectors returned to Baghdad to resume inspection suspended four years ago, the Bush administration is initiating a series of diplomatic and military steps for war in Iraq, The New York Times reported on Monday.

The tasks, some of which could take weeks or even months to carry out, include formalizing allies' roles in any offensive, discouraging neighboring countries like Turkey and Israel from taking their own action, and deciding whether to seek UN support for an attack, the newspaper said.

Bush administration officials believe that failure to accomplish many of these objectives could delay or complicate the onset of war.

According to the newspaper, the Bush administration is moving swiftly to accomplish its objectives, even before the start of theweapons inspections ordered by the UN. One goal is to create a credible threat of force, which might pressure Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to comply with the new resolution adopted by the UNSecurity Council on Nov. 8.

The other main reason for acting speedily is to be ready for combat in Iraq before the hot weather sets in the region next year.

There has already been some progress, officials said. American officials have privately secured informal assurances of basing andoverflight rights in several Central Asian and Persian Gulf countries, including Kuwait and Qatar, but those commitments need to be formalized.

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is expected to consult with allies this week at the NATO summit meeting in Prague on how they might fill in for American forces now in Europe and the United States that would be moved to the gulf area.

The United States has stockpiled tanks and heavy equipment for more than 30,000 troops in several gulf states and on ships nearby.But additional heavy equipment for Marine or Army divisions would take three to four weeks to reach the Persian Gulf from ports likeBeaumont, Texas, or Savannah, Georgia.

Meanwhile, American diplomats have intensified talks with two important allies, Turkey and Israel, to persuade them to remain onthe sidelines during an invasion.

The timing of any offensive, however, hinges greatly on the outcome of the weapons inspections. "A lot depends on how things come out with the U.N. resolutions," one senior military official was quoted as saying.

Questions?Comments? Click here

US Would "Finish it Fast" in War Against Iraq: Rumsfeld

Can Weapon Inspection in Iraq Avoid the Outbreak of War?

Jiang Zemin Wins Respect for Absence in New Party Central Committee ( 2 Messages)

'Three Represents' to Become Party's Mission Statement ( 7 Messages)

Lured by Black Gold-Oil-- under Anti-Terrorism Banner ( 116 Messages)

China Objects US Blockade of Cuba ( 3 Messages)

China's Foreign Trade Totals 500 Billion US Dollars ( 4 Messages)