Originally posted by Matt Black:
Have you ever seen the effects of WP, carpro?
And before you guys keep on accusing me of being a Chamberlain, let me assure you that if it could be shown that Saddam really did have weapons capable of attacking the West,
Matt, You are operating a) on hindsight and b) on the assumption that those weapons were not moved and hidden as many claim.
The point is that it was "shown". The intelligence agencies of both those who agreed with Bush and disagreed with Bush indicated that he had both the means and the will to attack the west if not immediately within a very short time. Saddam was kicking the inspectors out. He repeatedly resisted the no-fly zone.
Facing the evidence that was presented, Bush/Blair and the allies did the only prudent thing they could. They removed the threat
before that threat was fully developed.
I would ask you also to remember that a decision was required in the spring. The military told the leadership that a delay into the summer would result in magnified casualties and prolong the conflict. I have attempted to work in a chem suit in 90+ degree weather, have you? You are virtually incapacitated.
If Saddam had been given those 6 or 7 months to prepare for an invasion, we can reasonably assume that it either would have been called off because he demonstrated his capabilities... or else it would have been much worse on both sides.
I would be first to advocate taking him out.
I frankly don't believe you. He gave good reason. He refused to allow the inspectors full access. He was manipulating the system and giving every indication of being guilty.
(I'm far more worried about Mr Madmullah Ahmalooni in Iran than I ever was about Saddam in that regard but fear we will have to leave it to the Israelis to sort that one out.)
Probably. Our hands are tied and Europe sure doesn't show any will to lead.
I don't in any way mourn Saddam's passing - as I've said, I fully accept he was a Bad Man but he's been a Bad Man for at least 40 years and President of Iraq for 24 of those years so I'm still not sure why he became a Bad Man Whom We Must Remove in 2002/3
Because he was presumed to be the ruler with the most will to develop and use WMD's. He had developed them before and used them.
Unfortunately, if it is left to Israel... all the world will condemn her and sympathize with the muslims... even though everyone knows it needs to be done.
