Metchosin, if it were really just about the oil, why didn't we just take over kuwait and Iraq in '91 when we pretty much owned them anyway? Why wait 12 years until Saddam has had the chance to build up his military machine? Davidsons essay on client states is all well and good but Saddam hasn't been a client of anybody for a number of years. He has, however, worried his neighbors a lot.
No one seems to have a viable alternative to someone going in and removing him. And that needs to be done.
I am aware that the US supported Saddam years ago. You could say we created him so we must share the guilt for what he has done.
OK.
Now it is our duty to remove him. As far as France and Russia losing money on oil contracts that will not be honored by the new government, it would surprise me if that were not true. Those contracts were negotiated with a different government and it would be up to an international court to decide if they need be honored. The world economy has changed since the contracts were let and the new Iraqi government could probably make much better deals, possibly with the same countries.
I am sure that the US will have influence in the matter as we will be, after all, the ones who toppled Saddam and ended his reign of terror. France and Russia held back and the Iraqis won't forget that.
Steve, I hope your daughter is ok. It's hell not being able to be there to look after them isn't it?

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