- Aug 24, 2006
- 17,263
- 97
- 0
October 26th, 2006 3:07 pm
Invasion of Iraq a 'pure failure': Hans Blix
Associated Press
COPENHAGEN, Denmark -- Former U-N chief weapons inspector Hans Blix describes the U-S-led invasion of Iraq as a "pure failure'' that has left the country worse off than under the dictatorial rule of Saddam Hussein.
In unusually harsh comments to a Danish newspaper today, the diplomatic Swede said Washington has ended up in a situation in which neither staying nor leaving Iraq are good options.
Blix says, "Iraq is a pure failure.''
He says if the Americans pull out, they risk leaving a country in civil war.
But he adds, "At the same time, it doesn't seem that the United States can help to stabilize the situation by staying there.''
War-related violence in Iraq has grown worse, with dozens of civilians, government officials, and police and security forces being killed every day.
At least 83 American soldiers have been killed in October -- the highest monthly toll this year.
Blix led the team of U-N inspectors that searched for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq before the U-S-led invasion in 2003.
He came under heavy fire from Washington when he urged U-S President Bush to allow the inspectors to continue their work as a way to stave off a war.
Ultimately, a U-S-led coalition invaded Iraq, and no weapons of mass destruction were found.
Invasion of Iraq a 'pure failure': Hans Blix
Associated Press
COPENHAGEN, Denmark -- Former U-N chief weapons inspector Hans Blix describes the U-S-led invasion of Iraq as a "pure failure'' that has left the country worse off than under the dictatorial rule of Saddam Hussein.
In unusually harsh comments to a Danish newspaper today, the diplomatic Swede said Washington has ended up in a situation in which neither staying nor leaving Iraq are good options.
Blix says, "Iraq is a pure failure.''
He says if the Americans pull out, they risk leaving a country in civil war.
But he adds, "At the same time, it doesn't seem that the United States can help to stabilize the situation by staying there.''
War-related violence in Iraq has grown worse, with dozens of civilians, government officials, and police and security forces being killed every day.
At least 83 American soldiers have been killed in October -- the highest monthly toll this year.
Blix led the team of U-N inspectors that searched for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq before the U-S-led invasion in 2003.
He came under heavy fire from Washington when he urged U-S President Bush to allow the inspectors to continue their work as a way to stave off a war.
Ultimately, a U-S-led coalition invaded Iraq, and no weapons of mass destruction were found.