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17/10/2004; 7:39:47
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| Reckless Administration May Reap Disastrous Consequences: |
'This nation is about to embark upon the first test of a revolutionary doctrine applied in an extraordinary way at an unfortunate time. The doctrine of preemption -- the idea that the United States or any other nation can legitimately attack a nation that is not imminently threatening but may be threatening in the future -- is a radical new twist on the traditional idea of self defense. It appears to be in contravention of international law and the UN Charter. And it is being tested at a time of world-wide terrorism, making many countries around the globe wonder if they will soon be on our -- or some other nation's -- hit list.' -U.S. Senator Robert Byrd, Feb. 12, 2003
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| On the road to losing the peace : |
'It was bad enough for the U.S. to have endured the intelligence failures that led to Sept. 11; it's another thing to know that 18 months, billions of dollars and untold numbers of bombs later that Osama bin Laden and most of his top advisers remain on the loose. This failure ought to be thrown daily in Mr. Bush's face, but he has diverted attention to Iraq, where the United States is about to make a mistake of historic proportions.' -Jeffrey Simpson in The Globe and Mail, 18 Feb 2003
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Wednesday, 19 March 2003
. .< 11:41:57 PM >
William Pfaff: Don't blame the French Comment, William Pfaff: And so we go to war, the United States, Britain and Australia - alone. [Guardian Unlimited] 'The problem was not the French veto. The US and Britain had already said they would be satisfied with a "moral victory," a majority vote the French were forced to veto. The allies were blocked by concern that Angola, Chile, Pakistan, Cameroon, Guinea and Mexico might vote against them. This inability to persuade , intimidate or bribe friendly or dependent countries on a matter so vital to the US government is unprecedented in postwar history.'
. .< 11:38:47 PM >
Turkey opens airspace but not bases Iraq: The Turkish prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, confirmed last night that he will ask parliament to allow the US overflight rights for a war on Iraq but to deny the Americans use of their bases in Turkey. [Guardian Unlimited]
It's absolutely extraordinary that tiny countries who could so obviously use the money the Americans are offering are turning the Bush administration down.
. .< 8:06:55 PM >
Odd man out Career diplomat John Brady Kiesling talks about his resignation over U.S. policy in Iraq, and a president "not intellectually equipped" to understand worldwide opposition to the war. [Salon]
. .< 8:04:16 PM >
The world on the war How the international press views Bush's ultimatum and the looming war. [Salon] 'As hostilities begin, the differences between the anti-war and pro-war schools in the United States have been partially submerged by their common feeling that the administration's diplomacy and its military and political preparations have been inept.
"How could we go in 18 months from having everybody on our side to a situation in which we are going to war with just one major ally? It's quite a feat," said one opponent of the war. But, equally, "we have not managed this well," said an advocate of military action.'
. .< 7:59:05 PM >
The Village Voice: Hello, Homeland Security? I'd like to report a terroristby Ward Sutton
. .< 7:19:49 PM >
Support for U.S. from its allies is tepid at best 'So, in the end, Washington is going to war with a couple of staunch comrades-in-arms, a few minor helpers, a bunch of cheering onlookers and a group that won't even be publicly associated with the effort.It is hardly the "formidable" coalition that deputy defence secretary Paul Wolfowitz predicted this month. Especially damaging to Washington is the lack of public Arab support.'
. .< 5:15:55 PM >
Protests to Start When War Does Anti-war groups in numerous cities are planning to launch protests immediately following an attack on Iraq. Increasingly, protesters are relying on the Web and e-mail listservs to generate turnout. By Joanna Glasner. [Wired News]
. .< 5:04:18 PM >
Iraq: the third way Comment: Arming the Iraqi resistance to overthrow Saddam would the safest and most just means of achieving a change of regime, writes Peter Tatchell. [Guardian Unlimited]Yes, well I doubt there would be much trust among those who might rise up given that the last time the US encouraged them to do so Bush Sr. completely abandoned the rebels at the most critical moment.
. .< 5:02:34 PM >
Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Peace protests stepped up 'Thousands of people around the world, from schoolchildren to trade unionists, took to the streets today to vent their anger at the seemingly inevitable march towards war in Iraq. In London, Westminster was brought to a standstill as hundreds of students and pupils took part in a sit-down protest against the looming war.'
. .< 4:57:06 PM >
Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Earplugs sell out in Iraq 'The official UN weapons inspectors, meanwhile, have all been evacuated from Iraq - several of them complaining about the curtailment of their work and the aspersions that have been cast on their professional abilities. What chance they'll sue President Bush for constructive dismissal?'
. .< 4:53:24 PM >
Guardian Unlimited | Special reports 'A UN weapons inspector who returned from Iraq yesterday said today that the US had given them wrong and misleading information about Iraq's weapons of mass destruction.' This page has a series of stories. You need to scroll down to see this one.
. .< 4:45:54 PM >
US chides Belgium over rights law Washington berates Brussels after several Iraqi families announce they will sue former US President George Bush over the 1991 Gulf War. [BBC News | World | UK Edition]
. .< 4:32:00 PM >
Bahrain offers asylum to Saddam Bahrain reportedly offers sanctuary to the Iraqi president in a last-ditch attempt to avert a US-led war. [BBC News | World | UK Edition]
. .< 4:28:07 PM >
Agencies braced for crisis The impending war in Iraq may force millions from their homes - and aid agencies complain of inadequate funding. [BBC News | World | UK Edition]
. .< 4:27:35 PM >
Annan highlights Iraqis' 'plight' The UN Secretary General expresses concern for the Iraqi civilians who could be caught in the looming war. [BBC News | World | UK Edition]
. .< 2:46:53 AM >
24 people in seven countries waitng for the war We ask 24 people in seven countries how they spent the past 24 hours. [Guardian Unlimited]
. .< 2:40:29 AM >
I know it's just too easy are target but Lou Dobbs is just pathetic. I've been watching him for 15 minutes and twice he has attempted bluster against the French. Whoops. As I write this he tried a third time. The guy obviously can't think. Each time he's been talking with a different reporter and each time the reporter seems slightly stunned at the stupidity of his comments. It's really quite shocking. How did this idiot get a tv show?
. .< 2:22:23 AM >
Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Suddenly, the war is very real 'Amr's mother, Myasaa Abdel Hamid, is four months' pregnant and bone tired. "I've started talking to him about the war during these last few days," she said. "I told him, 'If you hear loud noises outside the house, don't worry, they aren't coming in.'
"But he doesn't really get it. He wants to know why there is going to be a war. He wants to know what Bush looks like. He wants to know if Bush is very angry with us. He wants to know if Bush has planes and guns.
"I tell him, 'Bush has everything'." ' My youngest daughter asked me lots of questions about the war today. I'm lucky. I was able to tell her the war would be happening far away from us.
. .< 2:09:11 AM >
America's Achilles' heel If terrorists strike a chemical plant just nine miles from Times Square, millions could die. But the chemical industry and its friends in Washington are blocking tough safeguards. [Salon]
. .< 1:31:30 AM >
AlterNet: A Letter to George W. Bush on the Eve of War 'You know, you really should have traveled more (like once) before you took over. Your ignorance of the world has not only made you look stupid, it has painted you into a corner you can't get out of.'A fine rant from Michael Moore. Thanks to Marc for the heads up.
. .< 12:56:52 AM >
CBC News: Chrétien restates opposition to Iraq war 'The Liberal government now says it is opposing any invasion on principle.'
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