The View from Here
Iraq - And Now for Something Completely Different!
By Barry Shaw
September 1, 2002
The media airways and the printed press is full of discussion
and opinion on the
importance of America obtaining Congressional and UN approval
before mounting
a major offensive against Saddam Hussein.
Talking heads pontificate advise about not going in without the
permission of the
neighbouring Arab nations due to the potential backlash from other
Moslem nations.
The importance of getting Allies on board has also been expressed.
What everyone is overlooking is the possibility that another agenda
is on the table
that will not require all this approval.
So, here is the scenario that is worthy of consideration.
Currently, US navy ships are quietly sneaking out of ports loaded
with equipment and
marines. They are heading to the region, to friendly neighbouring
states. There is already a healthy force of aircraft and military
hardware scattered around the region. Suddenly, a coup will take
place within Iraq, hopefully removing Saddam. However, with or
without the removal of Saddam, the coup leaders will call on assistance
from forces and nations outside Iraq and America, it's troops
at the ready, will race into Baghdad to answer this appeal - thereby
negating the need for UN approval. Once the situation has been
stabilised, Crown Prince Hassan, the brother of the late King
Hussein of Jordan, will be asked to head a temporary and benign
rule until Iraq is able to decide its own future.
There is a historic link between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
and Iraq which ended when 23 year old King Feisel was assassinated
in Iraq in 1958.
Furthermore, Crown Prince Hassan recently met with Iraqi National
Congress, which is the main Iraqi opposition group in exile.
A move into Iraq, which would then be headed by Crown Price Hassan,
could be an acceptable solution for the Iraqi army and its people.
It would be a move totally acceptable to the United States and,
eventually, Europe.
It would also prove difficult for other Arab states to object
to this solution.
Such an Iraq could enter into a federation with Jordan, and take
the interests of the Kurds into account, thereby adding stability
to the region.
Save this article and compare it to what actually happens.
Remember you heard it first on The View from Here.
The View from Here is written by Barry Shaw - netre@matav.net.il