SCMP Editorial, March 23, 2003
The United States promised that overthrowing Iraqi President Saddam Hussein would be the start of a process of reshaping the Middle East. It is an ambitious proposal fraught with the potential for disaster.
For one, the US alone cannot bring democracy, stability and economic development to the region. Such a task can be achieved only through international co-operation and for now, that is lacking.
In the region itself, territorial ambitions are likely to hamper such a goal. Already, the threat of conflict appears likely in northern Iraq, where Turkey has reportedly moved troops to ward off Kurdish nationalism.
By ignoring the authority of the United Nations in declaring war on Iraq, US President George W. Bush has frozen out - in the short term at least - potential partners for his plans. The prospect remains, therefore, that after the removal of Mr Hussein, the American leader will need as concerted an effort to convince the international community of his wishes as it took to unsuccessfully win support for war.
Gathering a coalition for the reconstruction of Iraq will not be difficult. A number of nations, Japan among them, have joined the US and Britain in promising financial help. More difficult will be finding nations willing to make Mr Bush's goals a reality.
