Side question on the Iraq situation

Voronwë · Post by **Voronwë** » February 14, 2003, 4:00 pm

2 nights agon on "NewsHour" they had an amazing dialogue segment.

the person who was against war at this point was a woman chair of something like the Carnegie Center for International something something. she made a case for having "coercive inspections", meaning the only way to have meaningful inspections is to literally militarily occupy regions that will be inspected, restricting traffic and preventing some of the shenanigans, etc. was an interesting idea.

but that is not the point of my post.

both this woman and the man who was espousing the position that war is the only solution BOTH AGREED that Hans Blix did a poor job of choosing the people that are currently on the inspection team.

the man said something about it, and the woman agreed almost casually as if this was common knowledge.

it was the first i had heard of it, and i havent really heard that elsewhere. Has anybody else? if so could you elaborate on what that means?

thanks.

Neost · Post by **Neost** » February 14, 2003, 4:12 pm

Can't vouch for the source, haven't ever been to their site before. Apparently he was involved in a big fuckup involving some radioactive materials:

http://www.nationalreview.com/york/york100102.asp

So Blix is, in the view of a number of people of differing philosophical viewpoints, insufficiently aggressive, responsible for a momentous arms-inspection failure, and, on top of it all, Saddam Hussein's choice for the job of inspecting Saddam Hussein's weapons installations. Is there anything that can be said in his favor?

Midnyte_Ragebringer · February 14, 2003, 5:10 pm

If I recall correctly, the NationalReview is a right wing news source.

I still say this is all an attempt to delay war by distracting people from the fact that the onus is not on the inspectors, but Saddam.

Voronwë · Post by **Voronwë** » February 14, 2003, 5:18 pm

i would characterize the National Review as "conservative commentary" more than "right wing news source".

6 1/2 dozen the other to some people i guess. i do think some of the editorials are very good, though i don't read it often.

i guess i was more asking about the people Blix chose to inspect, not so much his credentials (which i had heard about).

Adex_Xeda · Post by **Adex_Xeda** » February 14, 2003, 5:21 pm

You know now that you mention I did hear on the radio that Blix was involved with something in the past that pissed a lot of people off. I just can't remember the details atm.....

where could I look that up....

Midnyte_Ragebringer · February 14, 2003, 5:23 pm

Conservative commentary is better indeed, btu then again you have always had a better way to say everything

Any idea how I can say "Fuck you Boss, I want that day off and that's that motherfucker!"?

Neost · Post by **Neost** » February 14, 2003, 6:53 pm

"I need a mental health day"

Midnyte_Ragebringer · February 14, 2003, 6:54 pm

Thanks Neost

lol

Forthe · Post by **Forthe** » February 14, 2003, 6:58 pm

The US wanted more american inspectors. I believe Blix resisted having a repeat of the first inspection team and resisted pressure to add more americans.

I'm sure Blix will get slammed in the media now that he didn't give a negative report - If you are not with us your against us.

Fallanthas · Post by **Fallanthas** » February 14, 2003, 7:09 pm

Actually, I would slam him for not taking any kind of a position whatsoever.

Note: I don't mean politically, but the man can't even answer as to whether more inspectors or a longer inspection period would accomplish anything. One day "We need more time". next day "Further inspections are doomed to failure unless the climate in Iraq changes dramatically."

How the hell can anyone make a decent decision when the so-called 'expert can't answer that type of question?

kyoukan · Post by **kyoukan** » February 14, 2003, 7:13 pm

I don't know the specifics of the members that are actually on the inspection team, but I know a lot of people (mostly americans) feel that Blix isn't being stern enough with the Iraqi government in terms of getting the job done.

Blix isn't really a hard ass, and the UN needs a hard ass to get the shit done. Many times the inspection teams have stood around wasting an entire day waiting for someone to come by that is authorized to unlock a door (despite the fact that Iraq has at least a day's notice in most cases).

Someone who doesn't take any shit would be a better candidate to run these inspections. Blix doesn't take advantage of the fact that he is in a situation where he could pretty much do anything to get the job done expediently. Iraq knows that if they outright deny access to someone who is more demanding, then Bush is going to roll into Baghdad on his faithful white stallion and start blowing up everything he sees.

The UN needs someone who instead of standing around at a locked door, would get his UN escort soliders to kick it down. And if it's too heavy to kick it down, then blow it up. Iraq isn't in a position to stop them from doing their job.

Kelshara · Post by **Kelshara** » February 14, 2003, 9:03 pm

One day "We need more time". next day "Further inspections are doomed to failure unless the climate in Iraq changes dramatically."

heh actually he changed his view slightly after having talks with US Officials... you can make up your own mind about that as I am sure you will do anyway.

Fash · Post by **Fash** » February 14, 2003, 11:24 pm

I'm with Kyou on this one

Atokal · Post by **Atokal** » February 14, 2003, 11:32 pm

kyoukan type-R wrote:I don't know the specifics of the members that are actually on the inspection team, but I know a lot of people (mostly americans) feel that Blix isn't being stern enough with the Iraqi government in terms of getting the job done.

Blix isn't really a hard ass, and the UN needs a hard ass to get the shit done. Many times the inspection teams have stood around wasting an entire day waiting for someone to come by that is authorized to unlock a door (despite the fact that Iraq has at least a day's notice in most cases).

Someone who doesn't take any shit would be a better candidate to run these inspections. Blix doesn't take advantage of the fact that he is in a situation where he could pretty much do anything to get the job done expediently. Iraq knows that if they outright deny access to someone who is more demanding, then Bush is going to roll into Baghdad on his faithful white stallion and start blowing up everything he sees.

The UN needs someone who instead of standing around at a locked door, would get his UN escort soliders to kick it down. And if it's too heavy to kick it down, then blow it up. Iraq isn't in a position to stop them from doing their job.

/nod

Vaemas · Post by **Vaemas** » February 15, 2003, 1:36 am

Damn. For once I agree with Kyou...

Midnyte_Ragebringer · February 15, 2003, 2:00 am

kyoukan type-R wrote:I don't know the specifics of the members that are actually on the inspection team, but I know a lot of people (mostly americans) feel that Blix isn't being stern enough with the Iraqi government in terms of getting the job done.

Blix isn't really a hard ass, and the UN needs a hard ass to get the shit done. Many times the inspection teams have stood around wasting an entire day waiting for someone to come by that is authorized to unlock a door (despite the fact that Iraq has at least a day's notice in most cases).

Someone who doesn't take any shit would be a better candidate to run these inspections. Blix doesn't take advantage of the fact that he is in a situation where he could pretty much do anything to get the job done expediently. Iraq knows that if they outright deny access to someone who is more demanding, then Bush is going to roll into Baghdad on his faithful white stallion and start blowing up everything he sees.

The UN needs someone who instead of standing around at a locked door, would get his UN escort soliders to kick it down. And if it's too heavy to kick it down, then blow it up. Iraq isn't in a position to stop them from doing their job.

I agree. Are you like a fucking Cybill or something? Every now and then you make a post and you sound like a normal fucking person. Weird.

Hammerstalker PE · Post by **Hammerstalker PE** » February 15, 2003, 2:02 am

Yup Kyoukan has hit the nail on the proverbial head this time!

kyoukan · Post by **kyoukan** » February 15, 2003, 2:22 am

ok I am going to have to re-think my position. if so many stupid people agree with me, something must be wrong with it.

Fash · Post by **Fash** » February 15, 2003, 2:25 am

leave it to beaver

Krimson Klaw · Post by **Krimson Klaw** » February 15, 2003, 10:47 am

Fallanthas · Post by **Fallanthas** » February 15, 2003, 11:46 am

Very well said, Kyoukan.

Blix is a diplomat, and what they need for the job is a cop.

Kilmoll the Sexy · Post by **Kilmoll the Sexy** » February 15, 2003, 1:42 pm

Someone hacked Kyoukan. Can you please verify the IP address Xuo or Pyrella?

masteen · Post by **masteen** » February 15, 2003, 3:01 pm

I think Kyoukan just summed up exactly what is pissing both sides off about the UN inspectors. If Blix were kicking doors down, and not letting Iraq slide, Bush's position would look like warmongering to a lot more people, Americans included.

Voronwë · Post by **Voronwë** » February 15, 2003, 4:39 pm

polls released this morning have Americans wanting more inspections by around 60+%. (as opposed to war in the short

source: CBS/NYTimes.

not that you should just check the polls, but i post that for the non-Americans who probably think we are all rapid bloodthirsty bastards =)

masteen · Post by **masteen** » February 15, 2003, 6:52 pm

Funny, I logged on my mom's AOL account, took their poll and over 60% want the war, even if we have to go it alone.

I bet the difference between the polls is about 40 IQ points in the CNN demographic's favor tho

Fash · Post by **Fash** » February 15, 2003, 6:58 pm

CNN is torturous to listen to. Carrottop is still worse though.

Midnyte_Ragebringer · February 15, 2003, 10:29 pm

Carrott Top rulez!

Adex_Xeda · Post by **Adex_Xeda** » February 15, 2003, 10:53 pm

I found a nibble about why some people didn't like Hans Blix leading this.

Still, it's not only Blix's more diplomatic style that might alarm the White House — there's also the fact that the Swede served as head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from 1981-1997, during which time both Iraq and North Korea managed to pursue undetected nuclear weapons programs. Again, though, Blix counters that the IAEA is only as good as the intelligence

-Time Magizine
http://www.time.com/time/pow/article/0, ... 36,00.html

kyoukan · Post by **kyoukan** » February 17, 2003, 2:26 pm

MECHA COMMUNIST POWER PUNCH!

Krimson Klaw · Post by **Krimson Klaw** » February 17, 2003, 2:36 pm

What an imagination those kids have.

kyoukan · Post by **kyoukan** » February 17, 2003, 2:38 pm

EAT GIANT NORTH KOREAN BULLETS IMPERIALIST AGGRESOR!

Krimson Klaw · Post by **Krimson Klaw** » February 17, 2003, 2:39 pm

Oh no, they are attacking us with giant brown dildos, cunning!

Crayola....the paint of champions.

kyoukan · Post by **kyoukan** » February 17, 2003, 2:42 pm

ONLY A FOOL WOULD RISE UP AGAINST THE MIGHT OF THE PEOPLE

Krimson Klaw · Post by **Krimson Klaw** » February 17, 2003, 2:43 pm

Now they attack us with armpit odor! new bio weps?

kyoukan · Post by **kyoukan** » February 17, 2003, 2:43 pm

Krimson Klaw · Post by **Krimson Klaw** » February 17, 2003, 2:44 pm

Rikk Wolvenkin · Post by **Rikk Wolvenkin** » February 17, 2003, 6:56 pm

Has the United States EVER been the aggresor in a war before? Seems to me this would be the first time, that makes me a bit nervous, the world in general doesn't like aggressors. It would suck to see WWIII where its everyone VS America.