Joe Pitts: “last week U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan expressed his concern for Iraqi civilians during coalition military…”

“last week U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan expressed his concern for Iraqi civilians during coalition military operations. I share his concern but want to know what he says about Iraq's treatment of civilians. American troops risk their lives to avoid civilian casualties. Saddam Hussein has surrounded himself and his troops with innocent civilians because he knows this is the only way to slow our advance through Iraq. What has Mr. Annan said about Hussein's use of human shields, or of hospitals as military headquarters? Nothing. While American troops are under extreme scrutiny, Saddam Hussein draws none from the United Nations. The lack of scrutiny during wartime is the same complacency employed by the U.N. since 1991. We should not be surprised but we should keep it in mind as we think about our role in the U.N. after this war is over.”