9880. Strikes Imminent if Diplomacy Fails

By Linda D. Kozaryn

American Forces Press Service



	DOHA, Qatar -- Military strikes against Iraq are imminent if 

diplomacy fails and Saddam Hussein continues to deny U.N. weapons 

inspectors unfettered access.

	From Saudi Arabia, to Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab 

Emirates, and here in Qatar, Defense Secretary William S. Cohen 

spread the word: Time is running out. After months of 

unsuccessful diplomatic efforts, the United States and other 

allies are preparing to take action. 

	Nearly 27,000 American and British troops, hundreds of 

fighter aircraft, two American carrier battle groups and one 

British aircraft carrier are assembled in the region and more are 

on the way. 

	U.S. defense officials deployed the USS Guam, a 2,300-Marine 

amphibious readiness group and another 42 combat and support 

aircraft.

	Feb. 10, defense officials traveling with Cohen told 

reporters another 3,000 ground troops would soon be deployed to 

the region. Soldiers from Fort Stewart, Ga., will draw tanks, 

tracks and other armored equipment from pre-position sites in 

Kuwait.

	While the strike forces gather, Cohen jumped from one Gulf 

state to the next aboard an Air Force C-17. Greeted by defense 

ministers, he then met with heads of state, government officials 

and local journalists. Throughout the trip, he repeated one 

primary message: Diplomacy is preferred, but if all else fails, 

military force is the next option. 

	The United States and Great Britain contend Saddam Hussein 

must open his doors to U.N. weapons inspectors, Cohen said. The 

Iraqi leader must not be allowed to develop or deliver weapons of 

mass destruction. "We believe he poses a threat to the stability 

of the region, that he has the capacity to inflict great harm, 

and has shown no hesitancy to do that in the past," he said.

	The United States and Great Britain are not alone, Cohen 

added. During the week of his travels, first Germany, then Canada 

and Australia announced their support. "There is a growing 

recognition that the U.N. resolutions cannot be flouted if they 

are to maintain their integrity and credibility," Cohen said. 

	"We hope diplomacy will succeed," he said, "but if it 

doesn't, then we must compensate and try to reduce his capacity 

to build and deliver these weapons of mass destruction by 

military means, if all else fails."

	The gulf states, partners in crushing Hussein's ambitions in 

1991 and 1994, also prefer diplomacy to military strikes, Cohen 

said. But they recognize force may be necessary. Cohen said the 

trip reaffirmed his confidence the gulf nations would continue 

their strong support.

	After meeting with Saudi Arabian King Fahd and Defense 

Minister Prince Sultan, Cohen said they'd made it very clear 

Hussein will be responsible if diplomacy fails and military 

action is taken. "We have strong support from the Saudi 

government and, as a result of our meeting, we're confident this 

relationship will continue," Cohen said.

 	At a press conference here Feb. 10, Cohen said he believes 

there is solidarity on this issue among all the states, 

particularly among the gulf states who are the most at risk. 

	"Of all the people who should be concerned about the 

development of anthrax or VX or Reisen, or other deadly chemical 

or biological weapons," Cohen said, "it should be the people of 

the Gulf region. They have been the victims of his aggression in 

the past." 

	Hussein has killed thousands of Iraqi and Iranian citizens 

using chemical weapons, Cohen said. And he has lied about 

possessing such weapons. 

	After the Gulf War, Hussein stated he had no chemical or 

biological weapons, Cohen said. Inspectors discovered, and 

Hussein finally admitted that Iraq has as much as 2,100 gallons 

of anthrax, nearly four tons of VX, and it's growing castor beans 

to produce Reisen, a deadly poison for which there is no 

antidote. Iraq was also preparing to deploy missiles bearing 

these deadly toxins, Cohen pointed out.

	Throughout the region, no one disputed the Iraqi threat, but 

local officials and journalists alike expressed concern for the 

Iraqi people. "Our quarrel is not with them," Cohen said. "We 

believe they have suffered for many years under his brutal 

dictatorship. We have a report coming out on how he has ruled 

with absolute brutality against those who expressed any 

opposition to his military objectives."

	Evidence of American concern for Iraqi citizens can be found 

in the oil for food program the United States initiated to help 

them endure U.N. sanctions. "Saddam Hussein personally obstructed 

that program for many months," Cohen said. "We have shown greater 

concern for the Iraqi people than he has. While he has been 

building monumental palaces, spending billions of dollars, his 

people have been going hungry." 

	Cohen said the bottom line is simple. "Saddam holds the key 

to the solution. He can end the crisis by unlocking his doors to 

the inspectors. But if diplomacy fails, Saddam Hussein must carry 

responsibility for the consequences." 









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