>>So regime change in Iraq is what you think the "ulterior motive" is? Seems like a pretty good one to me, all things considered.
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>Regime change in Iraq was well thought of by many people.
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Some people were not that big on regime change as motive, including some of our UK friends.

But the case was thin. Saddam was not threatening his neighbours, and his WMD capability was less than that of Libya, North Korea or Iran. We should work up a plan for an ultimatum to Saddam to allow back in the UN weapons inspectors. This would also help with the legal justification for the use of force.

The Attorney-General said that the desire for regime change was not a legal base for military action. There were three possible legal bases: self-defence, humanitarian intervention, or UNSC authorisation. The first and second could not be the base in this case. Relying on UNSCR 1205 of three years ago would be difficult. The situation might of course change.