S P E C I A L:

The Standoff with Iraq

Clinton to explain possible attack on Iraq

Clinton returned to the White House from Camp David on Monday night

February 17, 1998
Web posted at: 10:52 a.m. EST (1552 GMT)

From White House Correspondent Eileen O'Connor

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- As the Clinton administration tries to persuade Americans -- and the world -- to support an air attack on Iraq, the president was to outline his case in a speech on Tuesday to Pentagon brass.

The United States has said a strike could be necessary if Iraq fails to allow full access to U.N. weapons inspectors.

P.J. Crowley, deputy spokesman of the National Security Council, said Clinton's speech would not be a statement of U.S. intentions but an outline of "where we are and what we are prepared to do."

Clinton will make his case for the strong stand the United States has taken against allowing Iraq to develop weapons of mass destruction, administration officials said.

They also concede that they are trying to prepare the American public for potential casualties among American troops and Iraqi civilians in the event of a military strike.

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Iraq Standoff Main  |  Latest Stories  |  Message Board

Newsmaker profiles:

• Saddam Hussein - Iraqi President
• Bill Clinton - U.S. President

Related stories:

• Annan's meetings on Iraq to resume Tuesday - February 17, 1998
• Yeltsin says Iraq must obey, but attack 'dangerous' - February 17, 1998
• Iraq accuses U.S. of interfering with Annan visit - February 17, 1998
• No unity yet on sending Annan to Iraq - February 16, 1998
• U.N. chief to Iraq? - February 16, 1998

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