U.S. wins allies on war in spite of 'Old Europe'

Washington Times ^ | 1/24/03 | David R. Sands

[kattracks]

The trans-Atlantic war of words over military action against Iraqi President Saddam Hussein has obscured substantial international support for the Bush administration's tough line.

British and Australian forces have already been assembled to join U.S. forces now gathering on Iraq's borders, and despite the increasingly strident opposition of Germany and France, a number of Western and Central European states stand ready to assist the operation as well.

[Huck]

This all looks like the same game of chicken we played leading up to the unanimous resolution we are now pressing to enforce. The same countries are going through the same orchestrations. I simply don't believe America will care about UN support in the end. I think most of us would prefer it if it makes life easier. But it's not a requirement. I just don't believe the polls on that one. I also think the Admin is using Sec Powell very effectively right now. I am inclined to trust the President's gamesmanship at this point. As Dylan once said, "It all seems so well timed."