Haley Stevens: “I believe this editorial accurately describes the current impasse at the U.N. Security Council over whether to enforce…”

“I believe this editorial accurately describes the current impasse at the U.N. Security Council over whether to enforce Security Council Resolution 1441. That resolution gave Saddam Hussein a final opportunity to disarm and provided for "serious consequences" should he fail to comply. It is now clear that Saddam Hussein is in violation of Resolution 1441, yet some member states on the Security Council are using this forum to press an unrelated agenda that is hostile to the interests of the United States. By pursuing this course of action, these member states are contributing to the global threat that Saddam Hussein poses and undermining the very purpose of the United Nations--to ensure the peace and security of the international community. We know that Saddam Hussein possesses weapons of mass destruction. We know that Saddam Hussein will use those weapons against those who oppose his tyranny. We know that Saddam Hussein has failed to disarm in violation of Security Council Resolution 1441. Yet, rather than holding Saddam Hussein accountable for his defiance, these member states have reduced the Security Council to a debating society, hardly relevant to the tough decisions the United States and its allies face in the war against terrorism. Only by standing together will the United Nations finally fulfill its commitment of ensuring global peace and security.”