The United States government has made it perfectly clear that military action in the very near future is needed against Saddam Hussein and Iraq for weapons violations. However, the rest of the world and its leaders do not all agree with President Bush and the United States. .
Britain is the United States number one ally, and they have stated publicly that they would prefer an alternative resolution other than force, but is still expected to fully join the United States in its military strikes. Britain began deploying troops to the Gulf in mid January in order to prepare for the possibility of war. Sources say Britain will send about two-thirds of its army's single armored division from its bases in Germany. This would make up part of a large ground force for an attack on Iraq, along with four or five American divisions. .
Although the United States is backed by the British government, they are experiencing a very similar situation to the United States, with many of its citizens avidly protesting the war. Protestors who are part of the Stop the War Coalition (StWC) have been marching through central London with very large turnouts for each event. One member was quoted as saying, "It looks like they are going to attack Iraq and we want the British government to know "you are not doing this in our name" if they go ahead" (BBC News, p.1). Many are calling for non-violent resistance against the government and are adamantly upset at their countries" officials, saying, "We are heading towards a Third World War because of stupid men who are in government and are governing in our name" (BBC News, p.2).
As far as the rest of the world is concerned, the U.N. Security Council members of each respective country recently announced their positions. Russia has stated there is currently no evidence that Iraq has done anything warranting punishment, and would like a diplomatic resolution. However, they have stated there is a chance they could eventually change their position if Iraq does not increase cooperation.
