The World Today Iraq's Defence Forces: In the Service of Saddam A US led invasion of Iraq looks almost certain. President George Bush and his advisors have committed themselves to regime change in Baghdad too often and too publicly to risk the political humiliation of last minute diplomatic compromise. By early next year American and British troops, with or without a UN mandate, will be advancing on Iraq’s capital from their bases in Kuwait and Turkey. But the forces ranged against them should not be underestimated. This is unlikely to be quick, easy or without pain.
The World Today Saudi Arabia: Balance of Fear Saudi Arabia faces the sharpest dilemma over war with Iraq. Its old ally the United States needs help, but this is deeply unpopular at home. Support for Washington could unleash divisive forces of domestic opposition, some of which are sympathetic to Al Qaeda.
The World Today Iran: State At Risk There is little support for Iraqi President Saddam Hussein in Iran – after all the two countries fought a bitter eight-year war
The World Today NATO Summit: NATO in Trouble The last great NATO summit took place in Washington in April 1999, right in the middle of the Kosovo air campaign. The next is due to be held in Prague at the end of this month. It will again be overshadowed by the prospect of another war, this time in Iraq. At the Washington summit, NATO had a direct interest in the management of the Kosovo war. Now it will be a spectator as the Iraq situation develops. Does this mean NATO has become irrelevant?
The World Today Cote D'Ivoire: Chaos Threatens A rebellion by just a few hundred troops in one of West Africa’s most stable states threatens the whole region. If not dealt with carefully, people could be displaced in huge numbers. The hired guns who did so much damage in neighbouring countries sense rich pickings.
The World Today Gibraltar: Rock Solid Gibraltarians seem likely to deliver a resounding ‘no’ to thoughts of their sovereignty being shared between Britain and Spain. Despite the lack of an agreement on the issue, they have organised their own referendum this month. The two countries have seriously miscalculated the problems ahead.
The World Today Spain and the Basques: ETA Loses Its Voice Will the Spanish parliament’s decision to ban the Basque political party Batasuna lead to it and its sister militant organisation ETA withering away? Or is it rather an attack on free speech, limiting the choices for voters?
