Airstrip One

United in words, not deeds - 17th February 2003, 23.20

The European Union had to agree a wording at the emergency summit today that could not be viewed by critics as deepening perceived divisions in the comon foreign and security policy. By that measure, the summit probably will be viewed as a success. The final document stated that all European countries viewed war as a last resort; demanded that Saddam Hussein co-operate with the inspectors; and that Resolution 1441 had not specified an open-ended process.

On the key issue of how much time Iraq should be allowed, there was no debate. This is the best of all common foreign policies: one that doesn't work and presents an unconvincing artificial unity to all onlookers. Another nail in the coffin of European pretensions.