Disarming

THIS, says the resolution that the United States was planning to put to a vote in the United Nations Security Council by November 8th, is Iraq's “final opportunity” to rid itself of its weapons of mass destruction. Two months of intense wrangling that opened with George Bush's challenge to the UN on September 12th to enforce its past resolutions on Iraq, or else, have produced a carefully worded compromise that lifts the immediate threat of American military action, but imposes a toughened inspection regime on Iraq. And if Saddam Hussein balks? Then the council would immediately convene, having this week again reminded Iraq that further violation of its obligations will result in “serious consequences”.