HERE WE GO AGAIN.
Iraq has decided to allow United Nations arms inspectors to return to their country to try to locate any prohibited weaponry development.
“Decided” may not be the exact word to use. They have stalled on this point long enough. Four years gives them sufficient time to either hide any such work being done; to export evidence of such a project or to
to rig up something to make inspectors believe their scrutiny has caused a fundamental change in some way if such an activity has been underway. I think Saddam Hussein may have been “convinced” rather than that he simply
decided of his own will, that it was time to back off a bit to let inspectors nose around once more. President George W. Bush for one, seems to have been pretty well fed up the stay on inspection and was get urgently huffy about it,
leaning toward the point of unilateral forays to do something about it rather than waiting for UN action. The actual strand of fiber which fractured the camel’s back was, I think.
when Saudi Arabia, just this week, agreed to allow U. S. planes to operate from bases within their borders and, with toothy smiles in place, seemed to be urging other Arabic nations to follow through with other element of assistance
such as became available in the “coalition” of the Gulf War era.
“Uh,oh!” Sad-Hu must have whistled over his morning coffee at one of his twenty- seven palatial residences (I think, it was 27 at last count) and commented to cronies present that it was time to concede a small point to keep
fellow Arabian associates lulled into acceptance of his over all wishes.
His “offer” seems generous enough, too.
“Without restrictions” he has plainly said, which is far different from the way it has been in the past. What could be more fair, open and honest, some are saying.
One would imagine Iraqi officialdom and even the public, if they knew of such developments, were beginning to get a bit edgy with George W. Bush talking in such stern terms which could be readily understood
and which could lead trouble...real trouble. Their mentor, of course, cannot allow himself to retreat but he stands ready, even eager, at times, to engage in strategic rearrangment of position.
So, he steps aside and allows inspectors to enter through the screen door. He may actually hold the main door ajar for their entrance and he will refrain from cautioning them about stepping too heavily on the royal
rugs or to avoid singing high notes in the area where the family crystal is on display...all such common rules covering such visits
Don’t expect Sad-Hu., or any of the Iraqi officials, to invite the inspectors in for lunch. This is more like opening the front door to allow the man in to read the gas meter in the basement and then to get the hell out,
rather than a social visit.
For the moment - all is unusually quiet on the I-Q front and it will take about a month to get an inspection team on site, I would guess. In the meantime, just back from the ranch with his linguistic lariet swinging,
President George W. Bush shows little signs of toning down the rhetoric which has awakened some key Arabic listeners and even caused a few UN minds to pay attention, as well.
Then will be lots of talk..talk...talk... from all sides.
Rappy days are here again!
A.L.M. September 18, 2002 [c592wds]
