I agree. I think putting out the word that the resolution might not be submitted was another Bush bluff.
The Angolas and Chiles of the world need the UN more than anyone and they are relishing their newly important roles. Thier participation in this debate is their long-awaited invitation to the world stage. Without the resolution, they suddenly could see all of the offered "carrots" for cooperation disappear, and all of the "sticks" begin to loom much larger.
Plus, without the vote, they wouldn't be in the limelight anymore and they would have to slither back under their African and Latin American rocks and to the obscurity where they belong -- without accomplishing a damned thing.
They want this vote almost as badly as Bush, and Bush knows it.
SEC. 2. SUPPORT FOR UNITED STATES DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS.
The Congress of the United States supports the efforts by the
President to--
(1) strictly enforce through the United Nations Security
Council all relevant Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq
and encourages him in those efforts; and
(2) obtain prompt and decisive action by the Security
Council to ensure that Iraq abandons its strategy of delay,
evasion and noncompliance and promptly and strictly complies
with all relevant Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq.
SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES.
(a) Authorization.--The President is authorized to use the Armed
Forces of the United States as he determines to be necessary and
appropriate in order to--
(1) defend the national security of the United States
against the continuing threat posed by Iraq; and
(2) enforce all relevant United Nations Security Council
resolutions regarding Iraq.
All of the SC members knew this day would come. Their vote on the last resolution is moot regarding whether Public Law 107-243 is executed.
The inexplicable behavior of France is what this vote is about.