News Release

December 19, 2002

Media Contact: (202) 842-0200 ext. 800

Chuck Peña on "Material Breach"

Material breach is the most serious charge the United States can levy against Iraq. It is a necessary condition before the United States can take military action. Given President Bush's "zero tolerance" policy for any Iraqi deception or denial, it would appear that wheels have been put in motion for an invasion of Iraq -- perhaps sooner rather than later. But the wisdom of what now seems an inevitable course of action is still questionable, especially after U.S. intelligence officials have warned that Saddam Hussein will pursue a "scorched earth" strategy, including the use of chemical or biological weapons -- the very thing the U.S. is purportedly trying to prevent by having U.N. weapons inspectors in Iraq.