News Analysis

By Ahmed Shames
November 17, 2002

• There is a noticeable change in American language towards Saddam, Bush indicated that disarmament would be a change in regime, however, the military build up continues. It is dangerous to put Saddam in a corner with no hope so this is probably a way of getting him to feel comfortable and to make a mistake. Also, that sort of language was necessary to obtain unanimous support from the Security Council for a tough UN resolution. As far as the resolution goes, Saddam simply can't implement it.
  
  
• The Iraqi opposition conference keeps being delayed and America finally intervened to finalise the date. This might mean that military action is getting closer.
  
  
• Blair addresses the Iraqi people: "It is not about oil". This demonstrates that despite the rhetoric, it's not really about disarmament but regime change, otherwise there would be no need to address the Iraqi people.
  
  
• Saddam prepares to leave?

You can find this online at http://www.iprospect.org.uk/na17nov.html