World

U.S. Called Soft On Iraq

By CBSNews.com staff CBSNews.com staff

August 14, 1998 / 8:15 PM EDT / CBS

Secretary of State Albright lashed out at reports that she ordered the U.N.'s special commission, UNSCOM, to ease off on the hunt for Iraq's chemical and biological weapons.

"We support UNSCOM and its inspections and fully support UNSCOM's right to decide where, when, and how it conducts its inspections," said Ms. Albright.

For the first time in this latest standoff over Iraq blocking inspections, Albright raised the possibility of military action, reports CBS News Correspondent Sharyl Attkisson.

"If necessary, we will use force on our timetable, in response to threats and at a time and place of our choosing," she said.

However, congressional leaders are worried that the Clinton administration is taking a softer line.

Republican senator John McCain fired off an angry letter to the president, Friday, saying the handling of Iraq has "degenerated from drama to farce -- with dire consequences."

Despite evidence that Baghdad is still hiding its chemical and biological programs, Iraq's U.N. ambassador said Friday the Iraqis will win the battle to get sanctions lifted.

"I think we are gaining support," said Nizar Hamdoon. "Iraq is gaining more ground among the Security Council."

That may be why the U.S. would like to avoid a confrontation. There's no appetite in the Security Council for another military strike. But sanctions alone are not likely to end the standoff.