It's always possible to claim that war could have been averted with just one more try at a peaceful settlement, just one more diplomatic mission, just one more appeal. Just when war must be resorted to is always a judgment call.

No one can reasonably accuse the administration of a rush to war. The issue (Hussein's presumed WMDs and work on missiles and a nuclear weapon) had been debated for years. The U.N., paralyzed by what now appears to be corruption and lethargy, passed resolution after resolution demanding Hussein's compliance with earlier resolutions, but only the U.S. and a number of its allies had the determination and ability to enforce these measures. That was done militarily.

Had Hussein opened up his military labs and warehouses earlier to the scomplete comprehensive inspections demanded by the U.N, over a period of years, this war would not have begun. Hussein would still be in charge, too, a situation few "innocent Iraqis," not to mention innocent Kuwaitis, Israelis, and, yes, Iranians, would seem to favor.