Hi Chris,
>>Possibly it was the actual massing of troops that "convinced" Iraq to allow inspections, though I'm quite certain that it was the unanimity at the U.N. that was the deciding factor.
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>After 12 years of unanimity at the U.N., and Iraq not cooperating, I think we can safely say it was the troops massing at the Kuwait border that caused Iraq to cooperate.

I felt that the teeth in the resolution were 'helpful' but cannot argue that mobilization likely made significant impact too.

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>>In any case, with the benefit of hindsight, giving the Inspectors more time was the correct option TO AVOID A WAR. ASSUMING that U.S.-pronounced reasons for war - WMDs with possible imminent use against the U.S. or others AND direct links to Al-Quaida - were honest and legitimate.
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>To the best of my knowledge, the Bush administration never claimed Iraq was an imminent threat. I also don't believe they ever claimed a direct link to Al-Quida.

Sorry, Chris, but BOTH were claimed - the EXACT reasoning for threatening war. Review Secretary Powell's speech at the U.N. (which, by the way, had me believing that there **probably** were WMD in Iraq but left me unconvinced as regards Al-Quaida link) and you'll see it clearly.


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>>It still sticks in my craw that CENTCOM, on two separate days, reported communication intercepts of authorization to Iraqi troops to use WMD. Obviously they were so sure that some would be found quickly that they never expected to get caught on that bit of propaganda. It was OBVIOUSLY totally FALSE. Gotta wonder what was actually true where CENTCOM was concerned!!!
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>Tracy already addressed this one.
Agreed.
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>>In any case I do hope that JR's suggestion to sit back, take a breather and work out better ways for the future is taken. BUT with President Bush declaring that the U.S. will never wait for a permission slip before warring, I fear there's little hope.
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>We won't wait for a permission slip from the U.N. We learned enough from Bosnia and Rwanda on that.

President Bush didn't say "from the U.N.". Seems to me there was agreement (i.e. the permission slip) as regards Bosnia (from NATO).
What was it that the U.S. learned as regards the Rwanda experience?