WASHINGTON Ñ Despite an uphill struggle in the United Nations, the
Bush administration appears to be making headway in forging an international
coalition against Iraq.
A report by the Washington-based Heritage Foundation said the United
States could be joined by NATO and Arab allies. The foundation said some of
the Arab countries would provide logistics support while others would ensure
political backing for an effort to topple Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, Middle East Newsline reported.
[On Thursday, Congress voted to authorize President George Bush to
launch a unilateral preemptive attack on Iraq should he deem that United
Nations efforts to disarm that country failed. The Senate voted 77-23 and
the House 296-133 in favor of the war powers resolutions.]
The report said Britain would be part of a U.S. military strike against
Iraq and Australia would probably follow. NATO allies such as the Czech
Republic and Poland might also contribute militarily.
"NATO allies such as Turkey, Italy, and Spain, and a number of Arab
nations such as Kuwait and possibly Saudi
Arabia, Jordan, and Qatar, should step up to provide logistical and
strategic support," the report said. "Diplomatic backing could come from a
growing number of allies once it becomes clear that Saddam Hussein has no
intention of complying with UN demands and that a military strike is
inevitable."
"Though world leaders appear deeply divided over the issue, there are
clear signs that the tide is turning against Baghdad and support is growing
for the Bush administration's call for a regime change," author Nile
Gardiner said. "The strongest support for the administration's position has
come from Great Britain, which is almost certain to join the United States
in seeking an end to the dictatorship in Iraq."
The report urged the administration to press the Security Council for a
resolution to deal with Iraqi's weapons of mass destruction. Gardiner, a
specialist in Anglo-American security, said such efforts could result in an
international coalition that will be vital for both the conduct of the war
as well as rebuilding Iraq as a stable country.
Gardiner envisioned that such allies of Iraq, particularly France and
Russia, could signal their intention to participate in the war against
Saddam. He said China will likely abstain in any Security Council vote.
But he warned that only Britain and the United States must remain
responsible for post-war security in Iraq. The report said the
administration should oppose the division of Iraq into administrative
regions run by different allies on the model of Kosovo or post-war Germany.
"While the bulk of military operations will probably be carried out by
U.S. and British forces, strategic and diplomatic support may be provided by
a substantial number of allies, including key European nations such as Italy
and Spain and some of Iraq's Arab neighbors," the report said. "There is
little likelihood that Arab troops will participate in the military action
to liberate Iraq, but invaluable strategic support will be provided by
Kuwait and possibly by Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Qatar."
