notes from Hans Blix's speech

Hans Blix is a great speaker, so if you get a chance to see him, I recommend it. I didn't start zoning out until the Q and A session (and that was because the questions asked had already been answered in the speech). So here are my notes:

title: "Lessons of Iraq?"
a war of necessity? NO.
no nuclear capability as in 90s
Iraq as a model democracy for MidEast
"a war chosen"
SH was defiant, not a danger
"I feel resentment about such suspicions" - his comment on the suspicions of members of the administration
Cheney's comment that the inspections were "useless at best"
"yellowcake" revealed as forgery before invasion
was the war predetermined?
Iraqis opened themselves up since they were somewhat closed off about inspections
most were destroyed already in 1991 - BCHs were. quantities unconfirmed.
SH had no incentive to cooperate:
- he didn't mind the belief that he was hiding weapons in defiance
- he was incensed and humiliated by treatment
- he viewed inspectors as possible spies
justification for war?
- no nuclear infrastructure left
- human rights abuses? not an option - no authorization for intervention

containment v. pre-emptive war
containment - USSR - Truman and USA - patience, resolve and kindness
Korean War - UN legitimacy valued by USA - approval of armed action
even in Gulf War first - Mid East alliance wouldn't have lasted with capture of Saddam Hussein in 90s.
pre-emptive war - no signs of impending Iraqi attack.

there should be action, not war, on terrorism.
"to obtain democracy through occupation is proving difficult . . ."

He made many more insightful comments that I didn't get down. Ah well.