THE WEEKLY REPORT

What You Need to Know!

September 9, 2002 Additional Information:

The US has been trying to build diplomatic support for military action to topple the Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, but different countries have different standings on the issue

United Kingdom:
Prime Minister Tony Blair has been George Bush's most supportive European ally on this issue. Mr Blair has promised to make public a dossier on Saddam Hussein's weapons development programmes. He says Iraq's build-up of weapons of mass destruction must be stopped. Senior members of the prime minister's cabinet and many within his party are opposed to attacking Iraq. Mr Blair seems determined to back the US and commit British troops to operations against Iraq.
Turkey:
Already allows US and British planes to use its bases from which the no-fly zone over Northern Iraq is enforced. But Ankara is very hesitant to join in an invasion of Iraq. Turkey's main concern seems to be that the Kurds of northern Iraq might try to set up their own state and that this would encourage the separatist tendencies of Turkey's own Kurds.
Germany:
Ahead of a closely-fought election the government has strongly criticised US plans. Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder has said: "Under my leadership Germany will not be available for adventures."
France:
Has serious reservations about an attack on Iraq and has called for the return of weapons inspectors. France is one of the European states most keen to resume trade with Iraq and win reconstruction contracts and wants any attack to be justified by the Security Council.
Russia:
Opposes military action and is pressing for a diplomatic solution to the weapons question.
Israel:
Supports the US policy of regime change in Iraq. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has repeatedly called for President Bush not to delay military action. The Israeli public is being prepared for retaliatory Iraqi missile attacks against Israel.
Bahrain:
A key ally of the US in the Gulf, and home to the US Navy's 5th Fleet - almost certainly a key element in any attack on Iraq. However, Bahrain's King, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa, recently expressed his "determined opposition to any unilateral military action against Iraq".
Kuwait:
Was invaded by Iraq a decade ago, triggering the Gulf War. Kuwait is the strongest regional supporter of plans to topple Saddam Hussein - despite unanimous Arab League statements vigorously opposing military action. More than 4,000 US troops are based in the country.
Qatar:
With Kuwait, it would probably be the second major base for any American invasion. It provided an airbase in 1991. But in the meantime, Qatar, like other Gulf states, would prefer a diplomatic solution to be found.
Saudi Arabia:
From being an active part of the coalition and provider of bases and forces for Operation Desert Storm, Saudi Arabia is now far from supportive. It is currently doubtful if the US would be able to use Saudi Arabia as a base of operations this time.
Egypt:
President Hosni Mubarak sent troops to fight with the coalition in the Gulf War but would not be expected to do so again. He has argued that the Americans should first tackle the Israeli-Palestinian crisis.
Iran:
At heart, it would be only too delighted to see Saddam Hussein removed, but it also fears that Washington's plans to attack Iraq are part of a strategic ambition to gain more influence in the Gulf region. Officially Tehran opposes an attack on Iraq.
Jordan:
King Abdullah is campaigning hard against a repeat of military action, taking his arguments in person to London and Washington.
Syria:
Has traditionally opposed Saddam Hussein and sent forces to the Gulf War in 1991. It is highly unlikely to do so again.
China:
Opposes military action and has called for the return of UN weapons inspectors to Iraq.
Japan:
Japan was a key source of finance for the US during the Gulf War but it is cautious about supporting a new war.
Australia:
The government has promised to give "serious consideration" to a request for military help from the United States.

The Weekly Report: September 9, 2002 For Questions or Comments, please e-mail: theweeklyreport@yahoo.com