The world is holding its collective breath as the U.N. Security Council moves toward a crucial vote on a U.S.-British draft resolution laying the groundwork for war against Iraq. At the moment, the outcome of the vote is a matter of conjecture. Yet the administration of U.S. President George W. Bush appears determined to order military action even if the resolution fails to pass.
President Bush is convinced that Iraq's disarmament, which is demanded by many nations in the international community, is not enough. He believes that "regime change" in Baghdad -- ousting President Saddam Hussein from power -- is essential for liberating the Iraqi people from oppression and for establishing democracy not only in Iraq but in the rest of the Middle East as well.
However, this "grand design" is stirring controversy around the world. It is the subject of serious debate, particularly in the United States and the Middle East. It is likely that staunch opposition by France, Germany and Russia to the draft resolution reflects in part their mistrust of a U.S.-led crusade for post-Hussein democratic reform.