The UN and George W. Bush

President George W, Bush has just spoken to the UN General Assembly. The expectation was great in view of the Iraq crisis and US intentions. To invade or not to invade? That is the question. The US Senate suspended its sessions so that Senators might listen, since they are so much involved in this question. President Bush opened with a statement that the US would rejoin UNESCO. Clearly this was to dispel the impression that the US is indifferent to the UN and to put the delegates in a good mood. They applauded. From then on, his tone was somber. Either Bush has a good memory or an excellent grasp of UN matters, or both, since his speech, which he delivered without notes, was a litany of Iraq's infractions of UN resolutions. It was an impressive performance. The applause was general, except for the Iraqi delegation, one of whose delegates wore earphones to listen to the address in Arabic. How will the speech be received in the Arab world? Bush did not give any indication of what precise action the US plans. That will be left for the Security Council. There were a flaw in the President's speech. He gave a detailed account of Iraq's infractions of UN resolutions, but said not a word about those committed by Israel. He spoke of "Ayrak" and "nucular". His charming schoolteacher wife should correct him. Mine would. Everyone was left wondering "What comes next?". We are waiting for the the other Texan boot to drop.

Ronald Hilton - 9/12/02