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A Last-Minute Deal To Avoid War

Hundreds of cheering United Nations (U.N.) workers in New York City greeted Kofi Annan on his return from Iraq last week. Annan, the U.N. Secretary-General, brought back good news: the promise of peace.

Just a week earlier, the U.S. and Iraq were on the brink of war. President Bill Clinton sent warships and troops to the Persian Gulf region. Iraq's leader, Saddam Hussein, had angered the U.S. by breaking an agreement to allow U.N. inspectors to search his country for weapons.

After Annan's visit, Saddam promised to provide "unrestricted and unconditional" access to all the places the U.N. wants to search. In return, new observers will join the U.N.'s inspection teams.

Bill Richardson, the U.S. ambassador to the U.N., called the agreement "a good first step." Critics in Washington, D.C., think Annan may have been too easy on Saddam. "The deal does not adequately address the threat posed by Saddam," said Senate Republican leader Trent Lott.

Annan, who is from the West African country of Ghana, has worked for the U.N. for more than 35 years. Last year he took over the top job. Annan is known for his warmth, good humor and dedication. If Saddam keeps his word, Annan will be known from now on for his skills as a peacemaker.

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