On Monday, United States President George W. Bush's defense adviser blasted European leaders for their lack of support for the possible extension of the global campaign against terror into Iraq.
"I am certainly disappointed with a number of our friends in Europe who pay very close attention to threats to their security but when the threats are to American security they are no where to be found," Richard Pearl told BBC radio, according to AFP.
"The Atlantic Alliance kept the peace when the threat was from the Soviet Union, and the United States was there supporting the other members of the alliance in every way it knew how," he added.
"Now we are threatened, and if you don't mind my saying so, we wouldn't mind a little reciprocity," Pearl firmly conveyed.
Even Britain, the US's staunchest ally in the global anti-terrorism coalition, was not spared criticism.
"I don't know that (British Prime Minister) Tony Blair is in a position to protect us from (Iraqi President) Saddam Hussein. I don't know that anyone is in a position to do that, and certainly not the left-wing of the Labor Party," he added.
His views provoked a fierce reaction from Labor Parliament Member Tam Dalyell.
"Pearl talks about UN resolutions, well it's about time we recognized that if there is to be action, it should be through the United Nations and not unilaterally through the United States”, he said.
"They've got to show proof that Iraq was involved (in September 11 attacks)”.
"I hope that Tony Blair reminds (US Vice President) Dick Cheney that we are a parliamentary democracy”.
"Personally, I think we should try talking to the Iraqis”.
"We want proof that there is to be an Iraq attack on the continental United States. Now is that likely? But that is the proposition that is being put forward."
Cheney's visit to the UK was the first major engagement on a 10-day, 12-nation trip centered on the Middle East and the Gulf region. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
