Iraq has agreed to readmit UN inspection teams. Iraq in the long term has no option but to accept the UN resolutions, but will Iraq fully comply to the terms set out? Adherence to any agreement would seem to be unlikely. In the past, Iraq has proved hostile to the idea of weapons inspections and the idea that Iraq has fully accepted UN resolutions seems inconceivable. Iraq has shown a flagrant disregard for treaties and rules of law and I am little reassured by Saddam Hussein's recent delaying tactics in talks between UN chief weapons inspector Hans Blix over inspections details. We should not be fooled by a simulated acceptance of UN conditions. There is a great deal of subtle activity underlying Iraq’s acceptance.

The UN must make every effort to negotiate and enforce compliance regarding the monitoring of weapons of mass destruction. Ultimately, acceptance is Iraq's decision. They have the choice. If Iraq refuses to recognise the terms, then I believe the UN must consider military action. The UN cannot afford to underestimate Saddam's ruthlessness. Further resistance is a very distinct and viable possibility. Saddam is completely unpredictable and does not follow any logical pathway. Whatever the reason for his compliance, if he backtracks from the agreement, then I believe the UN should demonstrate its power to compel the ratification of any agreement made by Iraq.

The US has made it known that it will also pick up the gauntlet if any agreement is not adhered too? Will Saddam deliberately try to provoke the US and will his ulteria motive be to gain further sympathy from Arab nations and bring the Middle East into conflict?