Thank you for contacting me regarding the current crisis with Iraq. I appreciate hearing from you.

The international community is currently engaged in a very complex debate about Iraq. There is broad international agreement that Saddam Hussein has disregarded 17 United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions demanding that he disarm, and that he has committed grievous crimes against his own people.

Of course, the best outcome would be a peaceful resolution of this issue. War should always be a last resort. I support the diplomatic efforts made thus far, and the work of UN weapons inspectors in Iraq. However, I agree with UN Monitoring, Verification, and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) Chairman Hans Blix that a lack of resources and time for the inspectors is not the problem. The problem is a lack of compliance on the part of Saddam Hussein’s regime. Mr. Blix has confirmed cases of Iraqi noncompliance during the inspections, and U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell made a powerful presentation to the UN Security Council on February 5 that offered clear proof of Iraqi attempts to hide weapons from the UNMOVIC and develop weapons of mass destruction.

Since the end of the Gulf War in 1991, Saddam Hussein has been offered many opportunities to disarm peacefully, and he has continually rejected them. In obstructing the diplomatic efforts of the UN, he has shown disregard for international law, the welfare of his country and the safety of his people. While I understand the very serious concerns raised by many about the potential use of force in Iraq, I believe that we must be prepared to take whatever steps are necessary including military force to disarm Saddam Hussein.

Please be assured that I will remain mindful of your concerns as this critical debate continues. Again, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and concerns with me. I hope you will keep in touch.

Yours sincerely,