WORLD NEWS

March 17, 2003

Last Chance for Iraq

President Bush says Saddam Hussein must leave Iraq or face a military attack

War with Iraq seemed increasingly likely as events unfolded over the weekend and on Monday. The United States, Britain and Spain decided not to continue their effort to find a solution through the United Nations. Instead, President George W. Bush has given Iraqi President Saddam Hussein a final offer: Either step down now, or be ready for an attack. "The time for diplomacy has passed," said U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell on Monday morning. The President will address the nation about the decision tonight.

U.S., Allies: Saddam Must Step Down

The U.S., Britain, and Spain made their decision after an emergency meeting over the weekend on Azores Island, Portugal. The countries withdrew a proposed new resolution from the U.N. Security Council to have the U.N. support the use of force in Iraq. They felt the resolution would not have enough support from other countries. During a speech at the meeting, President Bush stated that Saddam Hussein had missed an important opportunity to decide whether he's going to disarm, and he didn't. President Bush said that Monday was, "a moment of truth for the world."

Iraq Prepares for Attack

Saddam Hussein responded to the threat by promising to fight back. Saddam said his country would fight a U.S.-led attack "anywhere." Saddam threatened that if "the enemy opens the battle on a wide scale, we will open wherever there was sky, land and water on the entire Earth." Saddam again denied that his country has weapons, calling the U.S. and British claim, "a great lie."

In Baghdad, Iraq's capital city, Iraqis are getting ready for an attack. People are stocking up on food and water and taping their windows for protection from flying glass. Store owners are moving their goods to warehouses because they fear bombs and theft. U.S. and British citizens have been told to leave Iraq immediately. The U.S. has suggested that U.N. weapons inspectors also leave the country.

U.N. Pledges to Help Iraqis

The U.N. Secretary General, Kofi Annan announced today that he will order all U.N. weapons inspectors and humanitarians to leave Iraq. "This does not mean that should war come to Iraq that the U.N. will sit back and not to do anything to help the Iraqi situation," Annan said. Annan emphasized that the U.N. will find a way to continue to aid suffering Iraqis.

President Bush to Address Nation Tonight

President Bush will speak to the nation tonight at 8 p.m. (est) about the next step for dealing with Iraq. Check here tomorrow for a report on the speech and other developing events.

http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/news/story/0,6260,433483,00.html