Saddam and Middle East peace

In just a few days President Bill Clinton switched from a successful peace negotiation in the Middle East to making war plans in the same region.

Following Saddam Hussein's refusal to cooperate with UN weapons inspectors, Clinton threatened a military reprisal against Iraq.

Maybe this is only a coincidence. But what if it's not? Saddam might have in mind to sabotage the Wye Plantation agreement, in an attempt to paralyze a peace process which is already difficult.

Whatever his real intentions, and besides legitimate debates over what would be the best way to dismantle the Iraqi arsenal, Saddam's new challenge reminds the West that there can only be one single strategy in the Middle East. It's not possible to ignore or to neglect a question in order to concentrate on another one.

The coincidence might only be accidental but it's certain that every step to peace aggravates the conflict between moderates and extremists in the whole region.

-- La Republica, Rome