>>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.
>
>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.
>
>>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.
>
>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.
>
>>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!!!
>
>Tracy already addressed this one.
>
>>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.
>
>We won't wait for a permission slip from the U.N. We learned enough from Bosnia and Rwanda on that.

No offense to you Mark. The following are some of my views on a bit of this topic.

My recollections are different. One of the reasons for going into Iraq was WMD’s and its missile program. The administration stated that there was a direct link between Iraq and Al-Quida.

As I recall different members of the administration gave different rationalizations as to why we went to war. The story changed even when coming from the same mouths.

Just one report:

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=574&e=8&u=/nm/20040108/wl_nm/iraq_usa_weapons_dc

Some reasons given for war included:

"regime change"

"disarmament of Iraq (WMD's)"

"democracy"

"Saving Iraqi lives"

"link to Al-Quida"

"Stablize the Arab world and Middle East"

The list goes on...

The story and rationalization for war with Iraq has changed often. Surely if enough reasons are given (who needs proof or reality?) the majority of “good Americans”, will accept one or more as compelling evidence as justification for our actions, regardless of whatever has occurred.

Also, I can recall just before we attacked Iraq, George W. Bush stating that, Saddam Hussein tried to kill his father.

Anyone can believe whatever he or she wants. We are too quick to forget and when we experience any wrong doing from this administration we either overlook it or turn our backs.

If you heard, quote and believe what you have heard on this subject you are a left wing liberal. If you do not have such views you are a “Real American”! All this crap reminds me of Vietnam - John Wayne and the “Love it or leave it group”!

Will we expand the incident at Kent State when under a Republican Administration the National Guard was called in because the students protested against the bombing of Cambodia? Shoot any one who protests – that solves all problems.