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Preemptive self-defense in an age of weapons of mass destruction: operation Iraqi freedom.
Facing clear evidence of peril, we cannot wait for the final proof, the smoking gun that could come in the form of a mushroom cloud.
President George W. Bush (1)
I. THE FIGHT OVER PREEMPTION
With the promulgation of the Bush Doctrine, President George W. Bush announced a U.S. policy of preemptive action against terrorist states. (2) President Bush had previously identified Iraq, together with Iran and North Korea, as part of an "axis of evil" bent on the acquisition of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). (3) The Bush Administration asserted that the danger of WMD in the hands of Saddam Hussein was so great that it justified a preemptive attack on Iraq before these weapons could be developed and used. (4)
The Administration made the case against Iraq in speeches by Vice President Dick Cheney on August 26, 2002, (5) by Secretary of State Colin Powell before the U.N. Security Council on February 5, 2003 (6), and in addresses by President Bush before the General Assembly of the United Nations on September 12, 2002 (7) and on U.S. television on October 7, 2002. (8) Detailed charges against Iraq also are set out in the joint resolution for the use of military force drafted by the Administration and adopted by Congress. (9) Preemption supplants the containment strategy the United States had pursued against Iraq in the decade following the 1991 Persian Gulf War. (10)
"Preemption," "preemptive self-defense," and "anticipatory self-defense" traditionally refer to a state's fight to strike first in self-defense when faced with imminent attack--to beat an adversary to the punch. (11) Preemption remains relevant in the aftermath of Operation Iraqi Freedom as the Bush Administration contemplates preemptive military action to disarm Iran, Syria, North Korea, and Cuba. This article examines whether anticipatory self defense is permitted under international law and, if so, whether the invasion of Iraq was a legitimate exercise of anticipatory self-defense.
II. DID IRAQ'S MATERIAL BREACH OF THE PERSIAN GULF WAR CEASE-FIRE PROVIDE AUTHORIZATION FOR WAR?
- Situation between Iraq and Kuwait. (statements by United Nations Security...
- Magazine article from: US Department of State Dispatch January 18, 1993 700+ words
...1. The Security Council is deeply disturbed...Government of Iraq's recent...flights. The Security Council warns the Government of Iraq, as it has...underscore the Security Council's warning...consequences if Iraq fails to do...
- IAEA head Al-Baradi'i comments on Security Council deliberations on Iraq.
- News wire article from: Asia Africa Intelligence Wire March 9, 2003 700+ words
...it should be lifted. Iraq goes far beyond what is being debated at the Security Council. [Al-Baradi'i] What Iraq says is not being discussed...deceive ourselves. The Security Council in its entirety believes that Iraq is not cooperating as...
- Arab envoy to UN: Security Council members refuse any new Iraq resolution.
- News wire article from: Asia Africa Intelligence Wire October 1, 2002 700+ words
...previous and current Security Council resolutions and on Iraq's acceptance...that when the Security Council discusses the issue of Iraq today, it does...now that the Security Council might adopt a new resolution [on Iraq], but not in...
- Iraq calls for reforming UN Security Council's "work mechanism".
- News wire article from: Asia Africa Intelligence Wire October 21, 2002 700+ words
...Duri said the Security Council has turned into a court for Iraq. This court...adopted by the Security Council against Iraq have denied Iraq...Despite this, Iraq has implemented...However, the Security Council has continued...
- Security Council Press Statement On Iraq.
- Press release article from: M2 Presswire June 16, 2008 700+ words
...United Nations: Security Council Press Statement On Iraq(C)1994-2008...16062008 The following Security Council press statement on Iraq was read out today...challenges facing Iraq, members of the Security Council recognized the important...
- SAfrican analyst says Security Council's Iraq debate vital in saving UN.
- News wire article from: Asia Africa Intelligence Wire March 13, 2003 700+ words
...7 March] UN Security Council debate over Iraq. Khumalo won...avoided is for Iraq to immediately...comply with all Security Council disarmament...to 1991. The Security Council unanimously...resolution requiring Iraq's full compliance...
- Iraq urges "immediate" halt to "aggression" in letter to Security Council.
- News wire article from: Asia Africa Intelligence Wire March 22, 2003 700+ words
...International Reports) Iraq has lodged a protest with the UN Security Council, urging an...breach of all Security Council resolutions on Iraq, the latest...implementation of the Security Council resolutions...blockade on Iraq and eliminating...
- UN Security Council Resolutions on Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. (transcript)
- Magazine article from: US Department of State Dispatch September 24, 1990 700+ words
UN Security Council Resolutions on Iraq's Invasion...2. Expects Iraq to comply with...obligation under Security Council resolution 664...concerned that Iraq, notwithstanding...decisions of the Security Council and the provisions...
- Iraq sets off new test of wills with UN Security Council.
- News wire article from: Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service Atlas, Terry November 2, 1998 700+ words
...identified weapons sites. Iraq's actions were seen as a response to a Security Council decision Friday to...unjust sanctions.'' Iraq also insisted that the Security Council fire Richard Butler...Special Commission. Iraq has long charged that...
- U.S., Security Council debate Iraq weapons inspections. (News and Negotiations).
- Magazine article from: Arms Control Today Kerr, Paul November 1, 2002 700+ words
...resolution to the UN Security Council on October 25...firmly calls for Iraq to dismantle...endorsed by a Security Council resolution, did not give Iraq the right to...recalls" previous Security Council warnings that Iraq will face "serious...
Source: HighBeam Research, Preemptive self-defense in an age of weapons of mass destruction:...