Point/Counterpoint.

For:

We are now seriously asked to accept that in the last few years, contrary to all history, contrary to all intelligence, he decided unilaterally to destroy the weapons. Such a claim is palpably absurd.

1441 is a very clear resolution. It lays down a final opportunity for Saddam to disarm. It rehearses the fact that he has been, for years in material breach of 17 separate UN resolutions. It says that this time compliance must be full, unconditional and immediate. The first step is a full and final declaration of all WMD to be given on 8 December.

I won’t to go through all the events since then - the house is familiar with them - but this much is accepted by all members of the UNSC: the 8 December declaration is false. That in itself is a material breach. Iraq has made some concessions to cooperation but no-one disputes it is not fully cooperating. Iraq continues to deny it has any WMD, though no serious intelligence service anywhere in the world believes them.

Against:

PN:  So, likewise, if the world called on us to do something, such as find a peaceful solution, we would have an obligation to listen?

WM:  By “world”, I meant the United Nations.

PN:  So, we have an obligation to listen to the United Nations?

WM:  By “United Nations” I meant the Security Council.

PN:  So, we have an obligation to listen to the Security Council?

WM:  I meant the majority of the Security Council.

PN:  So, we have an obligation to listen to the majority of the Security Council?

WM:  Well… there could be an unreasonable veto.

Consider and discuss.