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US hawks hint at more pre-emptive strikes
April 10, 2003 18:17 IST
Key members of the Bush administration are suggesting that Iraq may not be America's first and only target for pre-emptive action and more may be planned against Syria, Iran or North Korea.
The Syrians 'are doing some things they shouldn't be doing, and the sooner they stop, the better it will be for them', Deputy Defence Secretary Paul Wolfowitz told NBC TV.
While the US is now focused on Iraq, he said, "I think the Syrians need to know, though, that what they do now, they will be held accountable for.
"There has got to be change in Syria."
Political commentators and newspaper editorials suggest these threats should be taken seriously, though such a course may not be wise.
In West Asia and Europe, political and media commentary has shifted from gloating over the presumed humbling of America [by being forced to wage a war against Iraq without the approval of the UN Security Council] to speculation over which 'rogue States' -- Syria, Iran or North Korea -- will be the next target, The Washington Post commented editorially.
"Senior Bush administration officials," the newspaper noted, "have done little to quiet such fevered talk and, in the case of Syria, may have even encouraged it. If that worries the dictatorial regime in Damascus, which also has a record of supporting terrorism and stockpiling chemical weapons, perhaps the effect would be beneficial.
"Yet the best way to build on the success of the Iraqi military campaign will be not by threatening other regimes, but by allowing Iraqis to construct a government."
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Number of User Comments: 11
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Sub: us hawks hints at more strikes
America is being a superpower with his mass weapons of distruction in his hold trying to terrorise the other peaceful nation, by his military might. ...
Posted by fazil
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Sub: hi
america said that syria is not doing good nowadays, actually america is not doing good now, they got their country which is very peaceful, so ...
Posted by betsy
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Sub: hawks
This is the begining of the end of international peace
Posted by anantha
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Sub: RE:US hawks hint at more strikes
Thats what American leader say: that they want freedom for Iraq. But is that what they are really thinking about? Maybe they are thinking more ...
Posted by Another American
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Sub: hitler of 21st century
G. Bush is HITLER of 21st century. & america is the terrorisam country in the world. before to finish laden or saddam we want to ...
Posted by parvez
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