The Lowdown on the Showdown

[GLDNGUN]

While most are aware by now that President Bush, British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar will confer Sunday in the Azores, it seems just as many do not realize the weight of this meeting. This truly is a “war council”...

[GLDNGUN]

The only move out of Iraq that should satisfy us is Saddam's head on a stick.

LOL. Yes, that would qualify as a "dramatic move". Believe me, at this point, nothing but total and utter victory for Bush and Blair will suffice. If they are are going to stick their heads out this far, it's not going to be for some minor gesture on Saddam's part. Either way, Saddam will nothing but a memory in Iraq before the end of the month.

[tirednvirginia]

GLDNGUN, you sound so knowledgeable. Who are you and who is the "little birdy"? Your post really made me forget how mad I am that President Bush is probably going to forsake his promise to make all the SC members "show their cards."

[nkycincinnatikid]

The Big 3? Spain? Thats kinda like GM, Ford and Radio Flyer.

[GLDNGUN]

I would hope that in addition to the 'big 3', we make a big show of all the other countries who are among the 'coalition of the willing' since a lot of people think it's just the three. I'm sure there are a lot of people who don't realize how many countries do support this.

Very true. There will be other nations signed on and added. The Eastern Europeans are especially eager to stick one in Chirac's eye for his arrogance. This will give them standing in an organization where France is not even recognized. This will not be represented as 3 countries vs. the rest of the world, but as one legitimate international organization vs. an illegitimate one.

[GLDNGUN]

These three (US, UK, Spain) could well be the charter members of a new "Alliance of Free Nations." France can take the United Nations bureaucrats and delegates of the dictatorships to a new home of the U.N. outside Paris. May I suggest Vichy?

LOL. I like it.

[Mr. Mojo]

The one thing worse for Blair than going to war without another UN resolution would be going to war after a UN resolution failed to pass, thus the same man who urged Bush to back another resolution is now urging him to abandon his call for a vote.

True, and this just illustrates what I've been saying all along: Bush going back to the UN (for the 18th resolution) would not help Tony Blair in the least. The only thing that will help him is the same thing that will help President Bush --- a decisive military victory. I hope these two leaders learned their lessons.

[oceanperch]

Finally! Someone that knows whats going on.

I'm bookmarking your little birdy.

[slimer]

very informative, it makes a lot of sense.

[Edmund Burke]

What happened to the Italians? I thought that they were in our corner. Add them in and it could be the Big 4.

[edwin hubble]

This seems to be a well informed analysis.
Looks Good.

I have a couple of questions.

1. Where do the other possible 'alliance of the willing' members stand (those who will participate)?
Australia?

2. How do we stand for non-combatant partners?
Italy?
Japan?
Poland?

[witnesstothefall]

Interesting indeed. Adding to the impetus to regard the U.N. as the cynical socialist shell company it is, is the fact that Iraq is only the second to fall in the War on Terror. Our path must be clear for the rest.

Only one thing in all of this is certain. The French suck bowling balls.

[Republican Red]

An earlier thread showed the "new" blue and red map. Only shows Europe. I would summize Japan, Australia are at least two non-Europeans not on the map

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/864098/posts

[John Lenin]

Blair, however, feels he still needs to bring some “international legitimacy” to going to war.

This is rediculous on Blairs part, the longer we wait the more time it gives Saddam to coverup attrocities. I have a feeling that Brittian was also ignoring the UN and selling Iraq something or other and that Blair is being blackmailed.

[ImpBill]

One of the best "amateur?" analyses I have read yet.

Is that you "deep throat"?

[CharlotteVRWC]

I knew there was some 'strategery' going on.....Never Misunderestimate Bush..

[1rudeboy]

What's your point? That we should piss on the little guys, but reserve the right to whine when they don't toe the line?

[jqpublic]

leaving Chirac with no one to play with but himself.

Now, that's just a nasty thought... heh, heh, heh. =:-o

I appreciate the little birdy and your analysis. I pray that you are correct.

Stay safe.

J.Q.

[Jorge]

It finally became apparent to him that Chirac would oppose ANY reasonable resolution. This has angered Blair to no end, and he believes that Chirac is trying to end his political career in order to become the “the voice” of the EU and elevate France’s stature. Chirac believes he has Blair trapped, thinking Tony can’t or won’t go to war without another UN resolution.

Chirac has unwittingly made it a no lose situation for Blair to go to war without the UN resolution. He will certainly be finished politically if he submits to Chirac's ploy...so Blair's best chances now are to join the US and have victory in Iraq.

I believe Chirac the worm has overplayed his hand.

[The Wizard]

well Golden Gun may I say:

You are deep inside the administration

You support your President and have America's best interests at heart

Are a full time Freeper who knows there are friends here

And know who to call to undo parking tickets anywhere in the country......

Nice and welcome post.