I wrote: "I can think of several other possible explanations. When you are very strong and very rich and very forceful, the fact that people go along with your wishes does not necessarily mean they agree with you."

Teribus wrote: The United States has been in this position for sometime. I will repeat my question, if they have been able to coerce Iraq's neighbours on this occasion, why have they not played the same card previously to settle the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

Why hasn't the US effectively pressured Israel to comply with UN resolutions for withdrawal from the occupied territories, and to remove illegal settlements on occupied land? I can't say, but it doesn't seem to have applied too much pressure. The key word in the alternative explanation that I suggested for consideration in connection with Saudi Arabia's u-turn was "forceful".

As for my saying "assuming the inspections take place", the thing that I can envisage stopping them is not so much Saddam being stupid enough to go back on his agreement to unconditional inspections (though I never rule out any level of stupidity on the part of rulers). But the White House doesn't seem at all happy with this development. There is a real possibility of an American move to avoid what is seen as a delaying tactic on the part of Saddam, by launching an attack on Iraq before the inspections can start.