Secretary of State Colin Powell delivered a compelling message to the United Nations Security Council. The United Nations Security Council is composed of a country that represents international interests such as United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia and others. One of the purposes of the Security Council is to promote diplomacy when deciding whether or not a war should be declared against another sovereign state or nation. The content of Secretary Powell's speech provided a persuasive argument for declaring war against Iraq. Powell's articulate argument was supported by audio and information, logistical information, and testimonials. The Secretary also constantly referred to Saddam Hussein's, the President of Iraq, poor creditability in the past and present with ample examples. Terrorism and the horrendous acts of 9/11 were also were addressed by Powell.
Every argument must be backed by concrete evidence. Colin Powell was strategic in presenting his evidence in away that made it difficult to oppose his views. He painted a very clear picture beginning with his audio presentation. Before Powell played his audiotapes, he reminded the Security Council of Resolution 1441. The Council unanimously passed this resolution on Nov. 08, 2002. The resolution gives Iraq one last chance to comply with the council and disarm its weapons of mass destruction. Iraq had already violated a variety other resolution dating back to the Persian Gulf War. For This reason, the Council unanimously decided that if Iraq failed to comply it would face serious consequences. After that reminder, Powell presented Audio tapes of conversations involving two senior officers of Iraq's military unit, the Republican Guard. The United States government had been monitoring their conversations. According to Secretary Powell the conversations took place on Nov. 26, 2002, the day before the U.N. team resumed inspection on Iraq.