[varon]

The problem was that Iraq was not in compliance with the inspections program that they had agreed to which would allow the U.N. to monitor the situation. Without unimpeded inspections the U.N. inspectors could not verify compliance with the disarmament terms.

So, in essence, war was waged because the inspectors didn't find nor Saddam did reveal WMD that he didn't have. Am I interpreting your statement correctly?

[the_Watchman]

War was not waged because the inspectors did not find WMD, it was because they were not allowed to look. Iraq had agreed to an inspection program. They continually hampered the inspections and, indeed, were hiding weapons programs.

When a party agrees to a cessation of hostilities; i.e., the first Iraq war, then abrogates the terms of that agreement. They are inviting the resumption of warfare. Legally, the current Iraq war was the proper conclusion of the prior conflict.