International Diplomacy and the Prelude to the 2003 Invasion of Iraq

Abstract

Using framing as a theoretical and methodological framework, this study presents an analysis of the interpretation that the sub-Saharan African press put upon events prior to the 2003 Americanled military invasion of Iraq. It was found that the press opposed policies and efforts intended to initiate military action. This opposition was based on the contention that a westernled attack on Iraq, without an international consensus, would produce great political, economic and social upheaval in the Middle East, which might destabilize and have a negative impact upon African states.