Michael T. McPhearson, February 2003
Bush administration II really needs a smoking gun or the tide may turn on plans for war against Iraq. There are several forces converging that together have a possibility of derailing war plans. Columnist Robert Novak reported in the
January 13th edition of the Chicago Sun Times that several Republican Senators are not happy with Bush. In a closed-door session with White House chief of staff Andrew Card the senators expressed their discontent. According to the report, fifth term Virginia Senator John Warner, Chairperson of the Senate Armed Services Committee boomed, ''I will not tolerate…a continuation of what's been going on the last two years.'' He complained about arrogant treatment and denial of information by the administration. Missouri Senator Kit Bond asked, “What is the connection between Iraq and Al-Qaeda?'' He told Card that the administration needed to do a better job in explaining the connection.
The international community is moving towards allowing the United Nations’ inspectors more time to do their job. To date the inspection team has not found anything that could be called a smoking gun or concrete evidence of misconduct that the U.N. so far would constitute reason to invade. So without more evidence many nations are pulling back from the brink.
The Turkish government is concerned about its role in the invasion of its neighbor Iraq. It is under heavy pressure by its citizens to oppose the war. Polls show that more than
80 percent of the public is against a war.
White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card told CNN on Sunday, January 26th, that Saudi Arabia has asked the U.S. to reduce its military presence in their country. Card said that, "They've been asking a long time, and we've been working with them for a long time -- not just during this administration but during previous administrations -- to reduce the footprint."
"I think it's been a long-term interest of both countries," he said.
Asked when the United States might begin reducing its presence, Card said, "It will happen over time."
The North Korean “non” crisis has added a new dimension to the Iraq warpath mix. Rumsfeld and others are correct in assessments that the U.S. can fight on two or possibly three fronts at the same time. But do we want to fight a war in Korea where thousands of people will die?
I think the U.S. public is beginning to ask this question in Iraq. Most people would like to see Saddam removed and will support a military campaign against Iraq, but the public is beginning to feel anxiety because they believe Bush is not paying enough attention to domestic issues. The concern is shown in a recent Gallup poll where Bush with a 58-approval ratio for overall job performance is down from a high of 90 on September 21, 2001. When people are asked about Bush's handling of the economy, his rating falls to 48, the lowest of his presidency. His approval on foreign affairs is now at 53, the also the lowest of his presidency.
This is a critical time for action to stop the U.S. momentum towards war. The convergence of congressional skepticism, world opinion and public anxiety is an opportune moment to pressure the administration to allow the U.N. to do its job. It is important for those of us who believe we need a thoughtful human centered approach to world community building make our voices heard.
Put pressure on our government. Email, write or fax your local, state and federal officials.
Michael T. McPhearson February 2003
