However, relations between the United States and Iraq are once again strained. The United States has charged Iraq with not disbanding their weapons of mass destruction and wishes to declare war against the defiant country. Due to the fact that the United States is a member-state of the United Nations, they may not attack Iraq unilaterally, instead they must prove just cause for this potential war to the United Nations. However, this war has not yet been sanctioned by the United Nations, who wishes to see the results from members of a team of weapons inspectors. .
If the United States chooses to move forward without the inspectors finishing their work, the United States has many things to consider about making a decision to lead an attack upon Iraq. They must foresee the effects that this war could have on not only the citizens of Iraq, but also the effects that it could have on all of the people of the Middle East. A war in Iraq could greatly hurt Iraq citizens if neighboring countries do not open their borders to refugees. If the United States does choose to attack alone, they will not only be defying the authority and respect of the United Nations, but also the costs of attacking the country unilaterally would be a staggering figure. The United States would bear the burden of an incredible war dept, they would be responsible for repairing the war-damaged country, and they would be accountable for rebuilding a government structure. According to James Fallows's article The Fifty-First State, the ties between the United States and Iraq could last for a period of eight years. The United States must be prepared for that long-term commitment.
I feel that the United States should follow the United Nation's policies in handling the situation with Iraq, because the United States is a member of the United Nations and they should follow the guidelines which the United Nations has set forth in order to maintain peace.
