The problem is that even if sanctions and inspections work and Saddam does get rid of his WMDs, he will try to get them back. He will continue to divert money that should be spent to benefit the citizens toward his growing number of palaces, 50 at last count, and his secret programs to develop more WMDs.

It is his plan to wear down the UN as he has done before. Pres Bush woke up the UN and forced them to resume their responsibilities.

It will be embarrassing if he does disarm because it will thwart the effort to have a regime change. He may well do that to stay in power but the citizens will continue to suffer.

I think the original purpose of 1441 is to state that Iraq is in violation of previous resolutions, inspections will begin to prove or disprove if he is in compliance and if it is found that he is not in compliance it will constitute a material breach and he will be subject to serious consequences.

I think everyone will agree that he has been found not to be in compliance. The US and it's allies want to begin the serious consequences but other countries want to extend the process and give Saddam more time. Every day that passes give him a better advantage and the allies a diminished advantage.

At he risk of being over simplistic, the longer we wait, the more people will die.

Old Guy