he political stability of the Middle East is at stake. The possibility exits that a military strike against Iraq could spread to other nations in the region. Taking absolutely no actions against Iraqùpolitical, economic, or militaryùconceivably could produce a similar outcome. The future of the United Nations as a meaningful entity is at stake. The United Nations is playing a minor role in the current crisis, although the United States claims to be acting at the behest of the United Nations, and although United Nations Secretary General Kofie Annan did broker at least a temporary respite between the United States and Iraq that global public opinion made it difficult for the Clinton Administration to reject.
Lastly, the ability of different cultures to survive in peace in a shrunken world is at stake. Islamic culture and Western culture are clashing in this dispute. Other cultures may clash in future disputes. Means short of armed co
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