Time is danger

摘要

This week the haggling dragged on at the United Nations Security Council over the precise terms under which Iraq should be told, one last time, to rid itself of its weapons of mass destruction. France and Russia have formed their own axis of awkwardness to delay an American-sponsored resolution, casting doubt on whether forceful action would ensue should Iraq refuse to comply. Meanwhile, though, another proliferation bombshell shows why a failure to deal with Iraq would not only destroy the council's credibility, but threaten the international peace and security it is meant to uphold. North Korea's admission, when presented by America with damning evidence, that it has been enriching uranium for a second illicit nuclear-weapons programme (the first used plutonium) is a chilling reminder of why the thorough frisking of Iraq, however it comes about, will come not a moment too soon.