ABSTRACT
As the messages of condolence flooded in, Iraq’s response stood out all the wrong reasons; Iraqi state television played a patriotic song that began with the line, “down with America”, whilst showing images of the twin towers falling. The Bill Clinton administration’s approach to Iraq was one of containment, based largely on compliance with the provisions of Resolution 687, not least Iraq’s respect of its duties under the Geneva Protocol in regards to the production of chemical, biological and ballistic weapons. Iraq’s continued intransigence meant that the sanctions regime remained in place and no-fly zones were enforced whilst weapons inspectors were led a “merry dance” by Baghdad. George W. Bush had been emboldened to take this hard line with the United Nations because he was in the process of shoring up domestic political support for his approach to Iraq. David Blair positioned himself throughout the Iraq crisis as the bridge between the United States and Europe.
