Nathan Deal: “As this greatest of all deliberative bodies debates this resolution tonight, we are confronted with the same questions…”

“As this greatest of all deliberative bodies debates this resolution tonight, we are confronted with the same questions that every nation, every family, and every individual must answer when deciding matters of monumental proportions. The first question embodies many avenues of inquiry, and that question is, simply, why? After all, Iraq is half a world away and lacks long-range missile capability. Under normal circumstances that would be a valid reason to withhold action. But we all know that chemical, biological, and even nuclear weapons can be delivered through unconventional methods such as suitcases, trucks and cargo containers. Secondly, the question, why now? Why authorize force before all diplomatic approaches have been exhausted? Unfortunately, for those who expect the United Nations to resolve this issue, thus far the U.N. has failed miserably. If the U.N. expects to maintain the respect of the United States or any other member nation, it must show that its resolutions mean something. Why did the U.N. not take action when the weapons inspectors were kicked out of the country? Why has the U.N. not responded to the attacks on our aircraft as they patrol the no-fly zones in Iraq? If the U.N. wants to maintain its relevance and prove that it is more than an international social club, now is the time and this resolution gives it that opportunity.”