A number of countries are committed to ridding Iraq of Saddam Hussein’s regime and its weapons of mass destruction. Some members of the U.S.-led coalition to free Iraq are only too familiar with brutality and oppression, like Estonia. Estonian Prime Minister Siim Kallas told President George W. Bush that he understands the need to confront Iraq. “The great democracies in the mid-to-late 1930s did nothing as a storm gathered. And as a result, we lived in tyranny and oppression for fifty years. And we understand what it’s like to yearn to be free and how it’s important to take action in the face of a growing storm so that people can be free.”
The members of the U.S.-led coalition are acting together this time before a regional dictator can threaten the entire world. British army units are engaging Saddam Hussein’s forces in southern Iraq, and securing the southern oil fields and the port city of Umm Qasr. Australian armed forces are fighting side-by-side with other coalition forces in Iraq and helping to clear the port city of Umm Qasr of mines. Polish forces have also contributed to the coalition effort.
Denmark has sent a submarine and a medical team as their military contribution. As Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh [foe] Rasmussen said, “It is time to stop Saddam Hussein’s dangerous game against the world society before it is too late. . . .We have an obligation to help. We cannot just sail under a flag of convenience and let others fight for freedom and peace.”
President George W. Bush said that various nations are contributing to the steady progress in the war against the Iraqi regime:
“Coalition forces are skilled and courageous, and we are honored to have them by our side.”
Together, the U.S. and its allies will remove Saddam Hussein from power, destroy his weapons of mass destruction, and liberate the people of Iraq.