Info on the proposed conference: http://www.nzz.ch/2003/02/05/english/page-synd1609540.html http://www.nzz.ch/2003/02/07/english/page-synd1617533.html Today the Bush administration declined to participate... The thief-in-chief is clearly set on war (but we already knew that.)
Yes. The diplomats there get to indulge themselves in wonderful food and drink. But other than that, no.
If war is at stake, shouldn't there at least be the effort? After all diplomacy is built on the foundation of democracy in the political card-house...
From my understanding this isn't a conference which will diplomatically attempt to prevent the next Gulf War. This is a conference which will somehow attempt to formulate plans to deal with whatever humanitarian issues they might have to face. I.E. when all the refugees flee to Iran, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, etc. I don't know really why we care what these people say at this conference. They will all do their jobs (red cross etc.). They don't need us.
The main point of the conference is to draw the world's attention to the humanitarian consequences of a war against Iraq. It does primarly deal with humanitarian issues, but there was hope to bring the two sides closer together.
Naive is an understatement here. Bring the two sides closer together? Are you frigging kidding me. One side is lying, one side is telling the truth..... Iraq either has programs to develop chem, bio, nukes, and has chem and bios or they don't. Iraq says the don't. The US and Britian say that they do. Without passing judgment as to who is actually right, how can these two sides be brought together. Even with inspections for the next two years straight with 10000+ inspectors.
I never claimed it can be done. Personally, I think it is nearly impossible at this stage. Bush junior has been trumpeting this war with too much fanfare for too long. He would look even more stupid if he backs down now... I just don't think it looks good if the US once again turns its back at diplomacy.
So, the conference is backing the great humanitarian, Saddam Hussein. Geez, this conference sounds like just another forum for anti-Americanism.
What kind of meeting was this to be anyway? Reading further into the article it stated how Calmy-Rey has had some problems and has been critized for the handling of such events. Now, the title of the thread is bit too much, as we don't even know who is attending. And yes it seems as though the participants will dine very well and stay in comfy surroundings and then return to their countries having accomplished nothing to very little. If the US goes through with the war on Iraq, the US will also follow up with the humanitarian aid aspect making this whole conference a complete waste of time and money. The USA, the biggest suppliers of humanitarian aid in the entire world.