WAR – SOME EVIDENCE FABRICATED Back Forward
Blix gives another report to the UN. “Hans Blix, the chief weapons inspector, said Iraq had been slow to cooperate but that in the past month, it had taken numerous promising steps. ‘It would not take years, nor weeks, but months’ to complete the inspections, he said, adding he would present a work plan for more inspections at the end of a month. Blix's report, coupled with a report by the chief nuclear watchdog that there is no evidence Iraq has revived its nuclear weapons programs, bolstered the determination of France, Russia and China -- permanent members with veto power -- to block a U.S.-British resolution authorizing force. . . . ElBaradei's report was even more damning to the administration's position. In recent months, the administration and Britain have alleged Iraq illegally sought high-strength aluminum tubes for a centrifuge-based uranium enrichment program and had sought uranium from Niger. He said experts had concluded the tubes were for a rocket engine program, as Iraq had said, and that the documents used to allege the connection between Iraq and Niger were fabricated. Overall, he concluded, there is no evidence that Iraq has revived a nuclear weapons program.” – Washington Post
The UN Inspectors also refuted three key assertions make against Iraq. “Although investigations are continuing, ElBaradei said, nuclear experts have found ‘no indication’ that Iraq has tried to import high-strength aluminum tubes or specialized ring magnets for centrifuge enrichment of uranium. Inspectors also have found ‘no indication’ of ‘nuclear-related prohibited activities’ in newly erected buildings or other sites identified by satellite, ElBaradei said. ‘After three months of intrusive inspections, we have to date found no evidence or plausible indication of the revival of a nuclear weapons program in Iraq,’ ElBaradei said.” -- LA Times
Blix also presented evidence counter to the US on the issue of Iraqi mobile chemical labs. “Chief UN weapons inspector Hans Blix said today that his teams had not found evidence to support US claims that Iraq was hiding banned arms in mobile laboratories. ‘No evidence of proscribed activities have so far been found,’ Blix told a key meeting of the UN Security Council.” -- Outlook
WAR UPDATES
Echo’s problems continue to mount. “Last night a number of junior Ministers were named as being ready to resign if there was no second resolution. Anne Campbell, Parliamentary Private Secretary to Patricia Hewitt, the Trade Secretary, Andy Reed, aide to Margaret Beckett, the Environment Secretary, and Michael Jabez Foster, who works for Lord Goldsmith, the Attorney General, have all said they would consider their position. More than 200 backbench MPs are also likely to rebel if a vote is taken in the Commons on conflict with Iraq without a second resolution.” – Guardian Unlimited
In a joint announcement, Russia, France and Germany indicate they will prevent a UN resolution for war! – Guardian Unlimited [Junkie: the three countries did not specifically indicate they would veto a resolution.]
However, some news sources are reporting that France will apparently not veto a UN resolution authorizing war even though it continues to oppose TW’s war. “Le Canard enchaine quoted President Jacques Chirac as telling a small private gathering on Feb. 26 that a veto would be pointless because it would not stop U.S. President George W. Bush (news - web sites) from launching military action. ‘France is doing everything it can, but the problem is that it is impossible to stop Bush from pursuing his logic of war to the end,’ Chirac was quoted as saying by Le Canard, a satirical newspaper that is known to have well-informed sources. Le Canard also quoted Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin as privately telling a group of conservative lawmakers on Feb. 25 that ‘using the right of veto would be shooting the Americans in the back.’” – Yahoo
Chile indicates that it will not vote for the upcoming resolution because giving Saddam 10 days to disarm is unrealistic. “One of the key UN Security Council members which has been undecided, Chile, has indicated it will not support the new resolution setting the scene for war on Iraq. Chile's deputy UN ambassador Cristian Maquieira says the proposed March 17 deadline is unrealistic. Mr Maquieira introduced some humour to the otherwise intense debate, saying all the security council diplomats would have a better chance of getting a date with film star Julia Roberts than Iraq has of disarming in 10 days.” – ABC
Colin Powell issues a rather interesting statement on Wednesday, “Secretary of State Colin Powell said . . . that Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein must not be allowed to split the world's nations into ‘arguing factions.’ Powell showed his concern about the increasingly defiant attitude of America's critics on the U.N. Security Council in advance of an expected vote next week on a new resolution to authorize war against Iraq. Leaders of several nations normally allied with the United States have said more time should be allowed for weapons inspections before any war, but Powell said the inspections are futile.” [Junkie: Saddam Hussein “split” the world into “arguing factions.” Is it Saddam or TW’s unilateral push for war that is dividing the world?]
Democracy in Iraq? Sounds wonderful. Is it “doable?” Dan Plesch writes a wonderful piece on why “[t]he idea that we can invade Iraq to bring democracy and freedom is a confidence trick designed to draw western liberals into providing legitimacy for old-fashioned conquest. We have been here before. In the late 19th century, Christian missionaries provided countless factual accounts of the barbarities of the heathen in Africa which were used to justify intervention and, in the end, the conquest, exploitation and partition of the continent. Iraq is a state created by the British empire after 1918 and was under London's influence until 1958. We have yet to come to terms with the cruelties of our own empire. But once again, local brutalities are being used to justify our own attacks.” – Guardian Unlimited [This is a must read for all Junkies as it makes you change perspective.]
Sen. Clinton issues a statement that she “fully” supports TW’s Iraq policy. -- NY Post
Students around the world were “walking” out of classes last week in protest of TW’s war. Two students summed it up correctly, “’I believe that there are a lot bigger problems that we have to deal with right here, like school, for instance. It deserves a lot more attention and a lot more money,’ said Louisa Casanabe of the School of the Future. ‘Our reasons for going to war with that country have bounced around from democracy, to weapons of mass destruction, to war will bring peace - all sorts of reasons,’ said NYU student Veronica Yuspraikh. The walkout is part of a nationwide demonstration by some 300 schools, and similar rallies took place around the world, as far away as Australia.” – NY1
Those interested in peace are making plans of how to react when war begins. “If the US attacks Iraq without support of the UN Security Council, will the world be powerless to stop it? The answer is no. Under a procedure called "Uniting for Peace," the UN General Assembly can demand an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal. The global peace movement should consider demanding such an action.” – Common Dreams
War’s aftermath could see an increase in terrorism in the US. “You will remember Colleen Rowley as the Minneapolis FBI agent who 'blew the whistle' on the fact that the FBI had several serious warnings about the 9/11 attacks in hand before that fateful day, and failed to act upon them. Ms. Rowley has once again stepped forward with this letter, written to FBI Director Mueller on February 26, which describes in detail her concerns about domestic safety issues in light of the looming war with Iraq. This letter covers a wide variety of highly important issues, but foremost among them is the dire warning she delivers to her boss: "The bottom line is this: We should be deluding neither ourselves nor the American people that there is any way the FBI, despite the various improvements you are implementing, will be able to stem the flood of terrorism that will likely head our way in the wake of an attack on Iraq." – Truthout
FPOTUS CARTER – MAKES THE CASE
FPOTUS Carter has issued a position paper explaining why our looming war with Iraq is not a “just war” but is “just war.” -- NYT [Junkie tried to pull the relevant “highlights” from the article and insert them here, but it just cannot be done. Carter’s statements, ever word, is a must read for all Junkies.]
RIGHT REPUB CHRISTIANS: ABORTION GAG – OR DIE!
In the SOTU address, TW drew universal praise for his pledge of financial assistance to Africa to fight AIDS. Now, Repubs in Congress are putting the brakes on TW’s pledge. “The White House proposal, which would triple spending on international AIDS programs over the next five years, was widely expected to sail through Congress when President Bush announced it in January in his State of the Union address. But officials now say the window of opportunity for passing a bill in short order is closing. "The hope for something quick has sort of escaped us," an aide to a senior Senate Republican said. There are two main problems. First, Democrats and Republicans are at odds over how much money should go to a global fund to fight AIDS. . . . Perhaps more important, the initiative has gotten caught up in the complex politics of abortion in the wake of a recent decision by President Bush involving the so-called ‘global gag rule.’ The rule, also known as the Mexico City policy because that is where President Ronald Reagan first announced it, prohibits international family planning clinics from receiving taxpayer dollars if they promote or perform abortions. President Bush, pressed by abortion opponents to extend the rule to clinics that also have AIDS programs, has instead decided on a compromise: organizations can perform abortions and can receive global AIDS money, as long as they keep the programs strictly separate and account for the money. Some conservatives in Congress, including Senator Sam Brownback, Republican of Kansas, are pressing for the White House decision to be written into law. People on both sides of the issue say such a move could derail an AIDS financing bill. Leading Republicans, including Senator Bill Frist of Tennessee, the majority leader, and Representative Henry J. Hyde of Illinois, the chairman of the House International Relations Committee and a fierce opponent of abortion, are working feverishly to make certain that does not happen, and have been discouraging colleagues from seeking to insert language relating to the Mexico City policy into the bill. ‘I want the AIDS bill to pass,’ Mr. Hyde said, "and I think misdirected attention to other issues might overly burden the AIDS bill." – NYT
ESTRADA
Senate Dems continue the filibuster of Estrada to the DC Court of Appeals. Repubs are signaling that they will move on to other national business next week if they cannot get the votes to stop the filibuster. “Democrats insist they will not allow a final vote on Estrada until the Washington appellate lawyer answers more of their questions in a public hearing, or the White House releases Estrada's working papers from his time at the Justice Department solicitor general's office. Republicans have refused those requests.” – ABC
On Thursday, Repubs try to stop the debate but 44 Dems hold firm, effectively blocking Estrada’s nomination. Repubs vow to bring it to the floor again. – Yahoo [Dems finally take a stand!]
CLONING
The US House passes (241-155, 38 Not Voting) a bill prohibiting human cloning. Reps. David Price, Melvin Watt, Brad Miller, Bob Etheridge and Frank Balance voted NO on the measure. – Congress.Org
STUDENTS DEBATE ECHO
Echo appeared before a group of students from 24 countries to debate Iraq. “The forum followed a rowdy anti-war demonstration by teenage school students outside Blair's No. 10 Downing Street office on Wednesday. They complained that their opinions were being ignored and warned Blair that they would be voters in the near future. . . . [Echo’s] performance won praise from some members of the audience but most were not impressed. . . . Audience member Bart Woord, 19, seemed to sum up the mood of both the 40 people in the studio and much of the British public when Blair told him he was always keen to have a dialogue with people to explain his views. ‘It is not really working though, is it?’ Woord replied.” -- Yahoo
If being boxed around by students was not bad enough, Echo takes a hit from his wife’s law firm. “Lawyers from Matrix Chambers, where the prime minister's wife practices under her professional name, Cherie Booth QC, said a second UN resolution proposed by the US, the UK, and Spain would not authorize war on Iraq, even if opposition from France, Germany, and Russia were overcome. The legal opinion was givenby Rabinder Singh QC and Charlotte Kilroy, colleagues of Mrs Blair, on behalf of CND and other campaign groups. The legal opinion will form part of an international campaign by lawyers and non-governmental organizations.” -- The Herald
OUR OWN WORST ENEMY
Arianna Huffington writes an interesting piece based on the hypothesis that the war in Iraq is about the bottom line for American businesses. “But there's also an overarching mentality feeding the administration's collective delusions, and it can be found by looking to corporate America's bottom line. The dots leading from Wall Street to the West Wing situation room are the ones that need connecting. There's money to be made in post-war Iraq, and the sooner we get the pesky war over with, the sooner we (by which I mean George Bush's corporate cronies) can start making it. The nugget of truth that former Bush economic guru Lawrence Lindsey let slip last fall shortly before he was shoved out the oval office door says it all. Momentarily forgetting that he was talking to the press and not his buddies in the White House, he admitted: ‘The successful prosecution of the war would be good for the economy.’ . . . No one in the administration embodies this bottom line mentality more than Dick Cheney. The vice president is one of those ideological purists who never let little things like logic, morality, or mass murder interfere with the single-minded pursuit of profitability. His on-again, off-again relationship with the Butcher of Baghdad is a textbook example of what modern moralists condemn as "situational ethics," an extremely convenient code that allows you to do what you want when you want and still feel good about it in the morning. In the Cheney White House (let's call it what it is), anything that can be rationalized is right. The two were clearly on the outs back during the Gulf War, when Cheney was Secretary of Defense, and the first President Bush dubbed Saddam ‘Hitler revisited.’ Then Cheney moved to the private sector and suddenly things between him and Saddam warmed up considerably. With Cheney in the CEO's seat, Halliburton helped Iraq reconstruct its war-torn oil industry with $73 million worth of equipment and services -- becoming Baghdad's biggest such supplier. Kinda nice how that worked out for the vice-president, really: oversee the destruction of an industry that you then profit from by rebuilding. When, during the 2000 campaign, Cheney was asked about his company's Iraqi escapades, he flat out denied them. But the truth remains: When it came to making a buck, Cheney apparently had no qualms about doing business with Hitler revisited.’ -- Arianna Huffington
If Junkies think that Huffington’s premise is unfounded – think again. When Iraq made is declaration for the UN Inspectors, the list of companies, including American companies that provided weapon materials was astounding. In fact, the US convinced the UN to censor the list from the document, but it was leaked. “The censorship came too late, however. The long list -- including names of large U.S. corporations -- Dupont, Hewlett-Packard, and Honeywell -- was leaked to a German daily, Die Tageszeitung. Despite the Security Council coverup, the truth came out. A German company, for example, exported 1,000 ignition systems for Styx and Scud missiles capable of carrying biological and nuclear warheads. Alcolac International, a Maryland company, transported thiodiglycol, a mustard gas precursor, to Iraq. A Tennessee manufacturer contributed large amounts of a chemical used to make sarin, a nerve gas implicated in Gulf War diseases. Phyllis Bennis, author of "Before and After," notes that ‘the highest quality seed-stock for anthrax germs (along with those of botulism, E. coli, and a host of other deadly diseases) were shipped to Iraq by U.S. companies, legally, under an official U.S. Department of Commerce license throughout the 1980s.’ A Senate Banking subcommittee report in 1994 confirmed that shipments of biological germ stock continued well into 1989.” -- SFGate