In order for this principle to have a significant impact on the public zeal, they would have to perceive the unfairness in the process. The sanctions against Iraq have always been remediable, as far as I know, requiring only a pro-active disarmament. Just as President Bush makes all Americans look like loose cannons and bullies to some overseas perspectives, so does Hussein's intransigence make it seem like the priveleges of fairness were withdrawn for fair reasons -- treacherous and destructive misconduct.

The fact citizens are suffering is kind of obscured by the presentation of "Evil Leader", partly because of the Bush PR machine, and partly because of truth.

Also, your question supposes that the evidence yyou mention _is_ widely known. In fact a lot of people are happily ignorant of it.

A