The United Nations and Iraq: Defanging the Viper - Softcover

Krasno, Jean; Sutterlin, James S.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0275978397 ISBN 13: 9780275978396

Publisher: Praeger, 2003

Synopsis

Following the Gulf War from 1991 to 1998, the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) was created to unveil and eliminate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction through inspections. This study describes how UNSCOM was designed to maintain its independence and authority, detailing the dramatic events that occurred as UNSCOM attempted to deal with an intransigent Iraq. Krasno and Sutterlin outline the special intelligence skills that UNSCOM developed over the years in response to Iraqi tactics. They also provide an accounting of UNSCOM achievements and analyze remaining concerns.

Along with documentary research, much of the information in this book was obtained through a series of interviews with key players, including the Executive Directors, several UNSCOM inspectors, and a number of ambassadors to the United Nations who were directly involved. Concerns about Iraq's remaining weapons capabilities, particularly its biological and chemical weapons, have become increasingly relevant since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and the ensuing anthrax threat. This study provides insight about the disarming of Iraq, as well what lessons can be learned from the UNSCOM experiment.

About this title

Book Description:

This study describes how UNSCOM was designed to maintain its independence and authority, detailing the dramatic events that occurred as UNSCOM attempted to deal with an intransigent Iraq.

About the Author:

JEAN E. KRASNO is a Fellow, International Security Studies, Yale University.

JAMES S. SUTTERLIN is Distinguished Fellow in United Nations Studies at Yale University and Adjunct Professor of Political Science at Long Island University.

About this edition

• Publisher: Praeger
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0275978397
• ISBN 13: 9780275978396
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 264