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Iraq Needs To Be Disarmed, But Not Solely By U.S.

Instead of acting unilaterally, the United States should push for concerted U.N. action to get weapons inspectors into Iraq with a full and unconditional mandate, including through a multilateral military operation, says Bruce W. Jentleson, director of Duke University's Terry Sanford Institute of Public Policy.

"There is no need for further lengthy negotiations with Saddam Hussein. Existing U.N. Security Council resolutions still apply," Jentleson said. "Iraq needs to be disarmed. If it takes military force to get the inspectors back in and to ensure they can do their job, then that's what we need to do. The international community needs to show it is committed to enforcing its will."

Jentleson, also a professor of public policy studies and political science, is author of the book, "With Friends Like These: Reagan, Bush and Saddam, 1982-90" (W.W. Norton, 1994). He served as a senior foreign policy adviser to Vice President Al Gore. While on the policy planning staff of the U.S. State Department in 1993-94, he was involved with the Middle East arms control and regional security peace talks.

Jentleson is available for interviews by calling (919) 613-7309.