Kevin,

What the original draft resolution 1441 offered Saddam Hussein was a stark choice - comply fully and immediately or face enforced disarmament fully sanctioned by the United Nations. With that resolution in place I do not believe that there would have been any military build up on Iraq's door-step - there would be no need.

What the fudged final resolution 1441 offered Saddam Hussein was room for manoeuvre, and the ability to continue his deception. That did call for a credible military presence in the area and continued pressure from the US and UK regarding their willingness to use it. Under the terms of the final resolution (1441) it was this military presence and the language coming out of Washington that wrung from the Iraqi Regime the only concessions they ever made in this 12 year long UN farce.