What? The UN passed resolution 1441 unanimously stating that there would be severe consequences if Iraq didn't comply with that resolution. Then the UN did nothing while the US enforced that resolution with a coalition of other nations. 1441 was the UN's wishes until it came time to walk the walk instead of just talking the talk. Talk is cheap, and Bush knows that. The UN's wishes only changed when it came time to enforce 1441! Not to mention that they did not vote on and pass any resolution to prevent the war, but they did vote on and pass one to take severe consequences to Iraq's regime if the didn't comply!



There are about 40 nations that are helping in Iraq currently. The main countries in opposition to the war were France, Russia, and to a lesser extent, Germany. They were all making huge profits selling weapons to Iraq against UN resolutions (that they agreed to) that were supposed to prevent Iraq from getting those weapons.



And now that the main fighting is over, you think that makes us look foolish for asking for help? Don't you realize that is exactly how we were trying to reestablish healthy relations with them? -by asking them to now assist and join us again. Do you remember how France said they would never help rebuild Iraq if Saddam was removed? Think they were trying to protect their future illegal arms deals with him? 300 million tons is a lot of weaponry! And considering how much money Saddam had, he could have purchased a lot more.



Don't you think those same countries that were violating the UN resolutions they agreed to (by not honoring the Iraqi embargo) by selling weapons to Iraq are the ones who are acting acting petty, selfish and arrogant? Those same ones who agreed to severe consequences that they then wouldn't enforce. Doing all these arms deals for profit when they agreed not to? Voting for 1441 and then not being willing to enforce it?



Frankly, I see all your criticisms of the Bush administration applying to France and Russia far more than they do to the US. Just because Bush doesn't want them to profit from their selfish and arrogant actions doesn't make Bush selfish and arrogant!



Is the person who stands up to a bully, a bully? Absolutely not! A bully is someone who goes after an innocent that can't defend themselves. A bully is not someone who defends themselves from a bully.



I would care a lot more about France's opinions of the US if I respected them! Since I don't respect them, their opinions are irrelevant to me. Why would I care what anyones opinion of me was if I didn't respect them? If I respected them, that would be a different matter.



If telling the truth, enforcing UN resolutions, not allowing profiteering by countries that haven't helped with the war effort makes the US look arrogant in their eyes, then so be it! I'd much rather stand up for what is right than do what it wrong, just so I didn't offend someone that I don't respect.





You said International relations should be above strict self interest. I couldn't agree more. Unfortunately, it is Countries like France and Russia that are violating this idea. I applaud Bush for calling them on it. That is showing true leadership qualities in my opinion.- Doing what is right even if it happens to offend someone that is powerful.



Rodney

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