S P E C I A L:

The Standoff with Iraq

U.S. gearing up for air strikes on Iraq

U.N. inspection team

Latest developments:

• Ultimatum would come first
• U.S. 'not interminably patient'
• Biological facility an obvious target
• 3 carriers in the area

January 26, 1998
Web posted at: 7:05 p.m. EST (0005 GMT)

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Pentagon sources told CNN on Monday that the United States is preparing for a sustained series of missile strikes and air attacks against Iraq within the next few weeks unless U.N. arms inspectors are allowed full access to Iraqi weapons sites.

The sources say the attacks would not occur for at least two weeks, and that before the United States took such a step it would first issue an ultimatum to Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and give him an opportunity to change his policy.

The sources say the Clinton administration feels it has "run out of diplomatic string" and is inclined to "go it alone" if France, Russia and China oppose the use of force.

While not confirming the reports, White House spokesman Mike McCurry noted Monday that the inspectors -- whose job is to dismantle Iraq's weapons of mass destruction -- are "no longer in a position to do (their) work."

White House spokesman Mike McCurry speaks on U.S. options
553K/5 sec. AIFF or WAV sound

McCurry said a report by chief weapons inspector Richard Butler on Friday to the U.N. Security Council on his meeting with the Iraqis was extremely discouraging, and that "there will be steps that the United States will take."

White House officials also denied suggestions that U.S. President Bill Clinton would order the bombing of Iraq to deflect attention from the allegations of his involvement with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky.

"This is being handled as the national security issue it is," said a White House official.

U.S. 'not interminably patient'

Asked if Clinton's concern about the Lewinsky matter might inhibit him from ordering the strikes, McCurry said "not whatsoever." He said the United States is "patient, but not interminably patient" with Saddam Hussein.

As for acting alone should other members of the U.N. Security Council balk, State Department spokesman James Rubin said, "We have made clear that we believe that we already have the authority for a military strike, should such an option be chosen."

Rubin said the Security Council has endorsed "resolution after resolution" urging Iraq to comply with the terms of the ending of the Gulf War, which required that Iraq dismantle many of its weapons.

He said the United States did not object to Russia sending a special envoy to Iraq, but that it doubts Moscow can persuade Baghdad to comply with U.N. demands.

"The issue is not who the messenger is. The issue is the message: compliance, compliance, compliance -- and no more excuses," he said.

Biological facility an obvious target

At Clinton's direction, national security aides were consulting with allies and other nations on the prospect of a military strike to take out sites where Iraq is suspected of hiding potential biological and chemical weapons.

A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Clinton advisers were "drifting toward use of force" but that action is not imminent. A final decision was deferred until after consultations with allies are completed in about a week, the official said.

National security spokesman Eric Rubin would not say whether the White House would try a last round of diplomacy before ordering a military strike. "All options remain on the table," he said Sunday. "We have not ruled anything out."

And Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott indicated Monday that there is considerable bipartisan support in Congress for the administration's hard line.

"I think we should be prepared to go forward militarily if we can't get some resolution relatively quickly," Lott said.

The British carrier Invincible is in the Gulf

3 carriers in the area

The U.S. has two battle-ready aircraft carriers in the Gulf, part of a massive force in the region that includes more than 300 warplanes and 30,000 troops. The British have also sent the aircraft carrier Invincible to show their support.

Gen. Anthony Zinni, commander-in-chief of the U.S. Central Command, said last November that in the case of Iraq, a "serious (military) response puts at risk the things that mean most to Saddam (Hussein)" -- his special Republican Guard units and command and control operations.

He declined to list specific targets but said the aim of any U.S. military action would be to "deny him the capability to continue to threaten his neighbors and his own people and to threaten the world with his capabilities," including biological and chemical weapons.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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