18 November 2002: UN weapons inspectors arrive in Iraq

On this day in 2002, UN weapons inspectors arrived in in Baghdad in a bid to discover the truth about Iraq’s WMD programme.

After the 1990-91 Gulf War, evidence emerged that Iraq had been pursuing a programme of biological warfare. But the UN Special Commission which was charged with disarming Iraq found no evidence that it had continued after the warNevertheless, Saddam Hussein became something of an obsession with the US. In 1998, it passed the “Iraq Liberation Act”, and removing him became official policy.

The events of 11 September 2001 would provide a catalyst for action (despite Iraq having nothing to do with them), and in January 2002, US president George W Bush announced that Iraq, along with Iran and North Korea, formed an "axis of evil" – state sponsors of terrorism hell bent on acquiring weapons of mass destruction (WMD). He singled out Iraq in particular, claiming it was actively plotting to build stockpiles of anthrax, nerve gas and nuclear weapons.

As the year wore on, Bush ramped up the rhetoric, egged on by Tony Blair. And it soon became clear that a new invasion was on the cards. In September 2002, Bush delivered a speech to the UN, calling on it to enforce its resolutions on Iraq, hinting that if it didn't, the US would do it for them. On 8 November, the UN Security Council passed resolution 1441, declaring Iraq to be in breach of its obligations, and gave it a "final opportunity" to comply. 

And on 18 November 2002, Hans Blix and a party of weapons inspectors from the UN and the International Atomic Energy Agency arrived in Iraq to find out the truth. From then until March 2003, they made over 900 inspections at 500 sites. Iraq co-operated in allowing them access to the suspected weapons site, but they were less co-operative when asked about the programmes themselves, said Blix. But nevertheless, the inspectors found no evidence of weapons of mass destruction.

On 19 March, the US, aided enthusiastically by the UK, invaded. Many critics believe that had the weapons inspectors been given time to do their job properly, and not had to leave in a hurry before the bombs began dropping, they would have been able to prove that Iraq had no WMDs.

Recommended

What is Rihanna's net worth?
Entrepreneurs

What is Rihanna's net worth?

Rihanna became the youngest self-made billionaire in 2022. Here’s how she made her money.
2 Jun 2023
Best savings accounts – June 2023
Savings

Best savings accounts – June 2023

Interest rates have been creeping up - we look at the best savings accounts on the market right now.
2 Jun 2023
Share tips of the week – 2 June
Investments

Share tips of the week – 2 June

MoneyWeek’s comprehensive guide to the best of this week’s share tips from the rest of the UK's financial pages.
2 Jun 2023
The best one-year fixed savings accounts - June 2023
Savings

The best one-year fixed savings accounts - June 2023

You can now earn 5% on 1 year fixed savings accounts - the best rate seen in 14 years. We have all the latest rates available now.
2 Jun 2023

Most Popular

June’s NS&I Premium Bond prize draw - are you this month’s millionaire?
Savings

June’s NS&I Premium Bond prize draw - are you this month’s millionaire?

Two fortunate NS&I Premium Bond winners are now millionaires. Find out here if you’re one of them.
1 Jun 2023
The best one-year fixed savings accounts - June 2023
Savings

The best one-year fixed savings accounts - June 2023

You can now earn 5% on 1 year fixed savings accounts - the best rate seen in 14 years. We have all the latest rates available now.
2 Jun 2023
The top healthcare funds to buy
Investments

The top healthcare funds to buy

Increasingly rapid progress in drugs and healthcare technology makes these trusts top tips, says Max King.
1 Jun 2023