News Release

October 16, 2003

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U.N. Iraq Resolution Little More Than Symbolic
Only positive part is expiration of mandate for multinational force

Cato Institute Director of Defense Policy Studies Charles V. Peņa issued the following statement after today's U.N. Security Council approval of a U.S.-sponsored Iraq resolution:

"The unanimous U.N. Security Council vote in favor of the U.S. Iraq resolution is a diplomatic victory, but not much else. Both France and Germany stated they will not contribute troops. France noted that European support would not translate into troops and funds sought by the United States. So America is still left holding the bag in Iraq. And there should be no illusion that United Nations involvement, such as it is, is the cure for the security dilemma and all else that ails Iraq. Iraqis who resent and resist foreign occupation will likely do so whether it is a U.S. force or a U.S.-led multilateral force. The one positive in the resolution is that the mandate for the multinational force in Iraq would expire when an Iraqi government is elected. So there is some glimmer of hope for a U.S. exit strategy, which should be sooner rather than later."