Doug: I don't think Clinton has changed his opinion. Refined it, perhaps. He did not say that military action was out of the question but that to do so without first using the avenue of weapons inspection by way of the UN was not advisable.

One thing that has changed (which is obvious and perhaps why it did not need to be discussed) is that the American public, for the most part, is much more highly-sensitized to the implications of our foreign policy than we were a year and two days ago. Even though he seems to be charging ahead in bull-headed fashion, Bush has also had to backpedal a bit in recent days (though this may just be for appearances since we are amassing troops and making preparations in the Gulf as we speak). It is clear that public suport for him is high, but it is also clear that Americans are not overwhelmingly in favor of an invasion of Iraq. Some of them may only be worried about higher gasoline prices for their stupid SUVs, but plenty of them are worried that agression against Iraq without attempting to contain the chemical weapons situation could result in an unthinkable situation once again on American soil. The Europeans are understandably nervous as destruction of chemical or biological weapons depots in Iraq could have devastating implications for neighboring nations. I admire Blair for standing his ground because I consider him an intelligent and compassionate man... but then again, this is a man who is shockingly unwilling to acknowledge that the vast majority of his constituents are opposed to his stance in this matter. This worries me. But not as much as it worries me that our own leader is displaying this same contrariness, which is much more likely a result of his own obliviousness and stubborn Oedipal-driven ego.

Clinton seemed to be saying that Bush has not thought this through. I would agree. And Clinton's skills in foreign policy, while not exemplary, are nevertheless impressive far and away more practiced and informed than the shrub, who continues to deal in jingoistic platitudes and Bubba-friendly rhetoric.

Oh for a thoughtful and well-informed leader. One who managed to travel to Europe just once before he got "elected."

peg