Ivanov got some applause too.
It seemed to be a rather partisan crowd. :-/
I just finished watching parts of the speeches on C-SPAN. It was quite interesting. I saw Spain, Mexico, France, UK, USA, China and a few others. I thought Straw's remarks for the UK were quite good, as were the remarks by the Spanish ambassador. Powell was forceful but did seem exasperated.
It really seemed to me that France and Russia were the odd men out in the bits that I saw. But since they have a veto, their votes certainly have to be considered. The French minister Villepin almost seemed to taunt Powell with his remarks about his "old" country and mentioning the terrorism conference (where he sprun his trap on Powell). He didn't seem interested in reaching an agreement with the US, IMO.
Based on what I saw, I don't expect the UK and the US to offer a resolution that speaks of swift consequences. But I don't think France's proposal for increasing the number of inspectors, etc., to go anywhere either. I expect intensive efforts to be made to reach some agreement over the next week or so, but unless Powell and Straw can magically sway Ivanov and Villepin I think it will be for naught.
It's unfortunate, but I think the UN will sit out whatever military action will happen unless Saddam immediately changes his stripes. And I don't think he will.
If you get a chance, watch the proceedings yourself.
Cheers,
Scott.
