WORLD BRACES FOR WAR
18 March 2003

Last night, US president George W. Bush declared that Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein would have 48 hours to quit his post and leave the country, if he wishes to prevent a devastating military campaign. Dissident European allies of the US insist that diplomatic options have not been exhausted, and they will persist, even in the face of impending war, in their efforts to achieve a "miracle" truce.

Today, Iraq officially declined the offer to exile its leaders in exchange for peace; the US has said war may now begin in advance of 48 hour deadline. The British parliament has voted to support Prime Minister Tony Blair's choice to send troops into combat alongside the US, a kind of victory, but one which may only increase the political peril for the PM. [s]

NEW OBSTACLES
1 March 2003

The Turkish parliament, under severe public pressure, has voted to refuse to allow US troops to launch a northern campaign against Iraq from Turkish soil. The US administration is reportedly cautious and awaits "clarification" of the vote, presumably clarification of whether or not this is the final word. [Full Story]

CONFLICT OVER PARTNERSHIPS
21 February 2003

The deployment of 1700 Special Forces troops to the Philippines southern region has sparked controversy over the legality of such action under Philippine law. The Philippine Constitution prohibits foreign military invervention not sanctioned by treaty, and the nation's Supreme Court has previously ruled that visiting American forces may only fire in self defense. [Full Story]