Had the United States and the United Kingdom gone on alone to capture Baghdad, under the provisions of the Geneva and Hague conventions we would have been considered occupying powers and therefore would have been responsible for all the costs of maintaining or restoring government, education and other services for the people of Iraq.

Norman Schwarzkopf

The Quote in Other Words

If the US and UK had proceeded to seize Baghdad without any assistance, they would have been regarded as occupying forces according to the Geneva and Hague conventions. Consequently, they would have been accountable for all the expenses associated with preserving or reinstating the Iraqi government, education, and other amenities for the citizens.

Explanation of the Quote

This quote highlights the importance of international law and conventions in determining the responsibilities of occupying powers. It suggests that if the United States and the United Kingdom had acted unilaterally in capturing Baghdad, they would have been considered occupying powers and would have been responsible for the costs of maintaining and restoring government, education, and other services in Iraq.

This quote raises questions about the role of international law in shaping the actions of powerful nations. It suggests that adherence to international conventions can help to ensure that the costs and responsibilities of military intervention are fairly distributed among all parties involved. At the same time, it also highlights the challenges of enforcing these conventions in practice, particularly in situations where powerful nations may be tempted to act unilaterally.

Overall, this quote underscores the importance of international cooperation and adherence to established legal frameworks in promoting peace and stability in the world. It suggests that by working together and respecting the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved, we can help to create a more just and equitable global community.