The French Connector
By Christian Malar • Aug 3rd, 2009I mean the existence of harmful weaponry, dangerous arms in this part of the world. It was a false pretense, and an ill intentioned one. That is why that war was useless and harmful for me.
The US launched the war against Iraq without taking UN into consideration. In that sense, is there any use for the UN system anymore?
One must not overlook the positive consequences of the UN activities in many regions and in solving numerous conflicts. So it does play a positive role. However, in any such activity you will definitely note difficulties and even failures. Yet, the UN, with all the impediments it faces, remains as a whole an essential element of peace and stability in today’s world.
Back then, did you have tense conversations with George W. Bush on Iraq?
No, there weren’t any tense discussions. Our views did not always converge but when I disagreed I would state my point of view. And he would, or would not, take that into account.
Do you perceive that George H.W. Bush had a greater understanding of politics than his son?
I am in no position to judge foreign heads of state. I have known George H. W. Bush, whom I profoundly respected and appreciated, for he was a man of culture and intelligence. I knew his son less, and therefore I will not judge him.
Was the 2003 war the closing chapter of a unipolar world dominated by the US after the breakdown of the Soviet Union? And is the election of President Barack Obama the first step towards a multipolar world with the G20 being proof of this?
Yes, it is certain that the world is moving towards less American domination. However, this does not mean that the US economic and political clout will weaken. The development we see today in the Eastern part of the world, in China and India, shifts the decision-making power to these regions. This goes hand in hand with a historic reality. Here lie the most ancient civilizations, the oldest human-friendly cultures. It is thus legitimate for them to retrieve their old positions.
