Iraq Agrees to the Return of UN Weapons Inspectors - November 13, 2002

On November 13, 2002, Iraq agreed to the return of United Nations weapons inspectors, marking a significant moment in the ongoing international efforts to address concerns over Iraq’s alleged weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs. This decision came in response to a unanimous resolution passed by the United Nations Security Council, which demanded that Iraq disarm its WMDs or face serious consequences.

Context and Background

• Gulf War Aftermath: Following the Gulf War in 1991, Iraq was subject to UN resolutions requiring the dismantling of its WMD programs. The UN Special Commission (UNSCOM) was established to ensure compliance, but Iraq’s cooperation was inconsistent, leading to the withdrawal of inspectors in 1998.

• Renewed Tensions: In the early 2000s, tensions escalated as the United States and its allies accused Iraq of continuing to develop WMDs. The Bush administration, in particular, pushed for renewed inspections as part of its broader strategy to address perceived threats from Iraq.

UN Security Council Resolution 1441

• Adoption: On November 8, 2002, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1441. This resolution offered Iraq a “final opportunity” to comply with its disarmament obligations and warned of “serious consequences” if it failed to do so.

• Key Provisions: Resolution 1441 demanded that Iraq provide a full account of its WMD programs and allow unfettered access to UN inspectors. It also established a rigorous inspection regime under the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Iraq’s Agreement

• Acceptance: On November 13, 2002, Iraq formally accepted the terms of Resolution 1441, agreeing to the return of inspectors. This decision was communicated in a letter from the Iraqi government to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

• Inspection Resumption: Following Iraq’s acceptance, UN inspectors returned to the country later in November 2002, beginning a new phase of inspections aimed at verifying Iraq’s disarmament.

Aftermath and Consequences

• Continued Inspections: The inspections continued into early 2003, with inspectors reporting mixed findings. While some progress was noted, the reports did not fully satisfy the concerns of the United States and its allies.

• Iraq War: Despite the inspections, the United States, along with the United Kingdom and other allies, launched a military invasion of Iraq in March 2003, citing Iraq’s failure to fully comply with disarmament obligations and the perceived threat posed by its alleged WMD programs.

• Long-term Impact: The invasion led to the toppling of Saddam Hussein’s regime but also sparked a prolonged conflict and debate over the justification for the war, particularly given the subsequent failure to find active WMD programs in Iraq.

This event remains a pivotal moment in early 21st-century international relations, illustrating the complexities of enforcing disarmament and the challenges of multilateral diplomacy in addressing global security threats.