February 25, 2003

ROUND 2

More feeling out between the U.S. and France. France's U.N. Ambassador Jean-Marc de La Sabliere met with the 10 non-permanent security council members. The U.S.'s John Negroponte came back from talks in Russia. The U.S. ambassador to France did hand out a solid shot to the gut by saying a French veto would be "very unfriendly."

Then suddenly out of no where, Canada comes out with its compromise resolution. They want Iraq to meet a list of benchmarks by the end of March. The U.S. just brushes the idea aside. President Bush reiterates that he doesn't need another resolution to go to war.

On the French plan for months of continued inspections, Condi Rice jabbed the French by calling the plan, "worst of both worlds."

No haymakers are being thrown. Both sides know the seriousness of their actions. An early misstep could mean quick victory for their opponent. The U.S. and U.K. plan for a final knock-out punch in two weeks; but in a world moving at Internet time, anything could happen.

The U.S.'s next challenger, Iraq, is trying to win public sympathy by trickeling out weapons information to U.N. inspectors.

To Be Continued...

"U.S. Warns France in Struggle Over Iraq" [via Blaster's Blog]

"Blix Says Iraq Signaling Real Cooperation"

"Bush Says Only Full Iraqi Disarmament Will Avert War"