The war of words between Iraq and the U.S. heated up even more last week. The leaders of both nations announced that if necessary, their countries are prepared to fight.
The U.S. is angry that Iraq's ruler, Saddam Hussein, will not allow inspectors from the United Nations (U.N.) to search his palaces and other sites for illegal weapons. Iraq has not been allowed to keep weapons of mass destruction since the end of the Gulf War, in 1991.
Iraq is angry that the U.N. will not end limits on trade that have hurt its economy and caused shortages of food and medicine. The limits, which are intended to punish Iraq for its role in starting the Gulf War, will be lifted only if Saddam allows U.N. inspectors inside his palaces and other guarded sites.
For now, Saddam appears unlikely to back down. Last week the U.S. also showed no sign of backing down. Congress urged the President to "take all necessary actions" in case Saddam has a secret stash of illegal weapons. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright met with leaders in Europe and the Middle East. She made it clear that the U.S. is prepared to take a strong stand against Iraq, even if other countries do not agree.
Time is running out to resolve the conflict peacefully. President Bill Clinton said that if Iraq does not back down, military action may be the only choice. "Force can never be the first answer," he said. "But sometimes, still, it is the only answer."