*you knew it was a set up **

Your solution is.....? I don't see a solution. I also don't see how you understand the situation that exists/existed.

Let's back up a little bit and review the sequence of events.

1. Saddam attacks Kuwait
2. US and allies free Kuwait
3. Saddam attacks Kurds and Shia
4. US imposes no fly zones
5. US establishes bases in several Mideast countries including Saudi Arabia
6. OBL becomes agitated that non muslims are on holy land and takes it up with Sauds
7. Sauds take the strategic choice of relying on the US for security. This effectively puts the Sauds in opposition to OBL
8. This leads to his expulsion.
9. OBL fights the 'infidel' through a number of terrorists attacks against US ship and embassies.
10. This leads to 911

The neo cons thought they would remove Saddam. This had the virtue of:

1. eliminating a threat to Iraqs neighbors, including SA
2. This would end the necessity to have no fly zones
3. Which would end the necessity to have the large force structure in the middle east.
4. This would remove the principal cause of agitation for Al Queda and other islamic terrorists
5. This would allow the US to help form a democratic Iraq
6. Which would allow the US, through a proxy to export democratic values in the region
7. including the use of soft power to effect change in Saudi Arabia.

Given the geopolitic situation that existed on 911 and given the stated aims of securing middle east oil, this plan of action is very reasonable and pretty clever. It hits 2 birds with one stone so to speak.

I have not seen where anyone on this board has proposed any sort of plan that would have achieved the objectives that the invasion of Iraq is trying to accomplish.

I ask anyone to feel free to put up a plan and let the mudcatters treat unto it the same respect the Bush policies have received to date. :)