>I think the whole legal authority for the 'no fly zones' was wrapped in that and that included more thoroughgoing intervention.
>
>But of course international 'authorization' - like God - is on the side of the most artillery <s>
>

In this case it wasn't. France and Germany (most prominently) would not go along with UN authorization unless and until WMDs were found. When they were not found soon enough to suit the Bush administration, the U.S. invaded unilaterally.

In hindsight -- which of course is always easy -- I think the "go slow" nations were proven wise.