>But this does represent a serious about-face for the U.N., including especially the Security Council's, member nations. I am quite confident that the vast majority of the resolutions of the past were mainly for show and to make a point, with zero intention of acting on them. Why has this need to act suddenly become so critical when Iraq cannot be shown to have ANY links with Al-Quaida or terrorism generally? Oh, people can say that "they must have" but that doesn't prove that they do.

I don't know if they were mainly for show, but if they were as you say, that says more about the credibility of the U.N. than anything. My point all along is that if you continue to pass resolutions, they continue to be ignored, and you do nothing about it, then what good are they?

As far as the links to Al-Quida go, I believe those links probably are there. I have heard reports that terrorists have trained in Iraq. But that link isn't required for me to want to use force to remove Saddam from power. He has attacked 4 of his neighbors. He has used chemical weapons on Iran, and his own people. He continue to defy the United Nations by developing chemical and biological weapons. What more do you need?

I saw his son Uday's (sp?) former press secretray, who defected, give an interview where he said one of Uday's biggest hobby is raping women. Uday is also responsible for the torture of POWs during the Gulf War. This guy has to go.

>Well so far only Britain seems "invested" and Prime Minister Blair himself admits that he has political problems with his participation, even in his own party, not to mention the country generally. So you've got the genuine support of Prime Minister Blair and some of his cabinet and some of his elected members (a minority). Italy is "with you" though their troops seem absent and they had over 1 MILLION march against the war last weekend. I don't know the situations in Portugal or Spain or Poland or Bulgaria or Romania, but if Italy and Britain are any measure, then their being "with you" needs to be better qualified.

People are always protesting against war. There are people here protesting the war. If they feel that strongly about it, they can vote against their leaders next election. Iraqis don't have that opportunity.

>Yep. Bullies have many friends too - just like Saddam does - because the bully poses far less danger to one he believes is friendly than to one who is demonstrably against him. Do you think there might be some of that thinking going on with your "allies"???

Who exactly are Saddam's friends? No, our allies do not fear us. We have no desire to take over another country. We will go to Iraq, remove Saddam, help them set up their government, then we will get out.