US-Europe Iraq Standoff Throws UN, NATO and EU into Fatal Crisis
For the moment, the cohesiveness of NATO and the EU hinges on the UN Security Councilês ability to break the impasse and move forward. The destinies of all three bodies are bound up in the Iraq crisis and its resolution. International consensus is evaporating as fast as the American troop buildup advances. The United States and the anti-war camp are clearly determined to bring the standoff to a head. The test of wills is already exacting a heavy diplomatic price † and it is only just beginning.
[Debka]
