THE PRICE OF PEACE IS TOO DEAR (via Robert Musil):

Cheney Says the U.S. Is Nearing End of Diplomatic Efforts (Reuters, 3/16/2003)

As hopes for a peaceful solution dimmed, U.N. arms inspectors were even forced to pull out five of their eight helicopters from Iraq on Sunday after insurers cancelled cover because of war risks.

As Robert Musil points out, neither France nor Germany is willing to indemnify the U.N. against the possible loss of these helicopters, nor is the U.N. willing to bear the risk of loss, in order to keep inspections going.

Musil also predicts that Jacques Chirac will soon be unpopular in France. This seems about as safe a prediction as can be found.

Posted by Paul Jaminet at March 16, 2003 2:07 PM