Reykjavík Grapevine - 11.02.2005, Side 13

THE PRICE OF HESITATION
How Delayed Reactions Kept Iraq
Off the Agenda for Over a Year
By PAUL F NIKOLOV
“In politics, an organized minority is a political majority.”
- Jesse Jackson
On March 18, 2003, a decision was made that could have meant the end of the
political careers of then Foreign Minister Halldór Ásgrímsson, then Prime Minister
Davíð Oddsson and maybe even the end of the decades-long conservative majority
in parliament. The decision in question regarded the then imminent invasion of
Iraq.
Davið Oddsson said, in a statement quoted on the White House webpage
(http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/iraq/news/20030326-7.html):
“The United States now considers its security to be gravely endangered by the
actions and attacks of terrorists and because of various threats from countries
governed by dictators and tyrants. It believes that support from this small country
makes a difference...The declaration issued by the Icelandic Government on the
Iraq dispute says that we intend to maintain the close cooperation we have had
with our powerful ally in the West. First of all, this involves flyover authorization
for the Icelandic air control area. Secondly, the use of Keflavik Airport, if necessary.
In third place, we will take part in the reconstruction of Iraq after the war ends.
Fourthly, we expressed political support for Resolution 1441 being enforced after
four months of delays.”
A clear declaration of national support, to be sure. There was