U.S. Defense Department officials estimate that Saddam Hussein has 600 tons of chemical weapons and tens of thousands of missiles capable of carrying a chemical or biological warhead. US President George Bush met with congressional leaders today to explain why he feels Saddam Hussein must be overthrown. Yesterday, his Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld - who, like Vice President Cheney, is strongly in favor of attacking Iraq - denied that there was a split within the administration on the Iraqi issue, calling such rumors “baloney." Secretary of State Colin Powell, however, who represents the American government's more dovish leaders, said he sees "lots of differences" within the administration, but added, "Some are real, some are perceived, some are over-hyped."
Trying to head off an American raid on his country, Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz told UN Secretary General Kofi yesterday that Iraq would allow UN weapons inspectors back into the country. He listed several conditions, however, including the lifting of the international embargo on Iraq and the elimination of no-fly zones. The White House, and even Secretary Powell, voiced skepticism over Iraq’s sudden openness.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair yesterday delivered a hawkish speech against Saddam Hussein, promising to soon release documents proving the great extent to which the Iraqi dictator has been stocking up on non-conventional weapons. "If the 11th of September teaches us anything, it teaches us the importance of not waiting for the threat to materialize," Blair said.
Trying to head off an American raid on his country, Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz told UN Secretary General Kofi yesterday that Iraq would allow UN weapons inspectors back into the country. He listed several conditions, however, including the lifting of the international embargo on Iraq and the elimination of no-fly zones. The White House, and even Secretary Powell, voiced skepticism over Iraq’s sudden openness.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair yesterday delivered a hawkish speech against Saddam Hussein, promising to soon release documents proving the great extent to which the Iraqi dictator has been stocking up on non-conventional weapons. "If the 11th of September teaches us anything, it teaches us the importance of not waiting for the threat to materialize," Blair said.