Powell Speech to UN Live Thread

[Support Free Republic]

Might as well start up the live thread. Speech starts at 10:30 EST (scheduled), which is within the hour.

[b4its2late]

He wants a permanment UN presence in Iraq.....LOL

As a parking lot?

[fightinJAG]

You got it--the Algerian/Muslim minority in France is exactly what they are afraid of. More afraid of them than Saddam Hussein.

And, frankly, if you think in terms of the potential ability of that minority population to rise up and cause a civil war or a horrific spree of homeland terrorism, war with Iraq does hold some terrible potentials for the French.

But peace and security has its price for ALL of us.

And you can bet we'd be right there helping the French if they get in a big jam.

[gavriloprincip]

What where Ford's foreign policy achievements again?

Ford served as President from 1973-1976 after the resignation of Richard Nixon. Cheney, and Rumsfeld were both top advisors to Gerald Ford, they both served as secretary of Defense, and Chief of Staff. He also gave top positions to Alan Greenspan and Paul O'Neil, though they aren't very popular right now, were considered brilliant when the economy was doing well. Secretary of State was Henry Kissenger

Some of his accomplishments:

He negotiated the SALT II agreements with the Soviets.

Started the Middle East peace process (which has stalled now, but it had promise at the time).

Korean Tree incident, over a tree in the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea, Ford managed to avert war.

Vietnam also fell to the communists under his term, though Nixon had removed the U.S. troops before Ford took office.

[Constitution Day]

[Japedo]

Sounds like Many want "Proof" (:as in Iraq actually Using the WMD) this is Unreal.
Makes me sick!

[The Wizard]

I would go in and never allow the french to make 1 damn dime

[prairiebreeze]

thank God---Frenchy is done

puked my guts out

[katnip]

He wants a permanment UN presence in Iraq.....LOL

Hey, I agree with that. Let the entire UN move there!

[Momto2]

" The first intercepted message played by Powell. would convince anyone that the Iraqis are hiding information, that they are in breech. Rubin says, all but the unconvincable should be convinced by what they heard today. Rubin called this "a most compelling presentation".

BOY do I agree - After the very first intercept was played I told my chlidren - That's enough for me - he could stop right there......What more do they want??????

[cactusSharp]

history always finds her authors huh ...hehe

[Mo1]

OMG .. I think I need a drink after the French speech

They are UNBELIEVABLE

[twyn1]

set up observation aircraft and staff to keep an eye on these sites so that weapons can't be moved!

And just what the HECK are they going to do ig they fire off oneof these weapons ?? It's gonna' be movin' really REALLY fast then, eh ?

[unspun]

France sounds like Iraq's legal counsel.

[Right Wing Professor]

And for a good reason. I followed the link over there. Now my whole office smells of dope.

Alright, I shouldn't do this, but one guy commented "He's saying they replaced computer hard drives. I never heard of such a thing." I've seen people like this on Jerry Springer, but who the heck put them in front of a keyboard?

[nutmeg]

I'm having trouble keeping up with this thread, but I've seen so far that Brian Williams and Tom Brokaw have both stated: "Powell did not deliver the smoking gun."

France minister blabbing on and on how we must continue, make better (ie "triple the number of inspectors") the inspections...

Let us establish a "communications center" to report inspections in real time... we need to have regular followup of progress made... how about a permanent UN co-ordinator for the disarmament of Iraq? Iraq must hand over IMMEDIATELY any documents relating to WMD... Iraq must be able to present credible testimony... The NEXT visit to Baghdad must provide concrete results! France thinks we can succeed (diplomatically) because of our unity.

ROTFL! I don't think our "next" visit to Baghdad is gonna be a courtesy call!

[Dog]

Kristol sees this France speech....as a retreat.

[prairiebreeze]

talking head also saying France and China had their speeches written well in advance

[Lauratealeaf]

Bill Crystal thinks the French have moved somewhat. He looks for a "graceful retreat".