“We have no illusions about the brutal nature of Saddam Hussein’s regime, therefore we all demand that Baghdad implement the relevant U.N. resolutions in full. However, in addition to disastrous consequences for long-term regional stability, we also fear possible negative repercussions for the joint fight against terrorism. These are fundamental reasons for our rejection of military action.”

Of course, long-term regional stability would be destroyed if Saddam gets his hands on nukes. And Fischer’s second point is simply that Germany stands ready to give in to the blackmail of threatened Islamist violence. Just like they did at the Munich Olympics. This really is a moment of truth for the United Nations. After eleven years of being defied by a ruthless and brutal regime, they’re too scared and pusillanimous to do anything serious about it. The question is: are America and Britain?