[RandyRep]

Good points.

The best case scenario here is that W's poker moves to date flush Saddam out - he either abdicates/exiles or is overthrown by Iraqi people, and democracy blooms in Baghdad. I think many people hope that this is what happens.

The worst case scenario is that we get fire in the oil fields, anthrax on our troops, and in Israel, and a mushroom cloud over Kuwait, and have to deal with it. This is what W and the team fear might happen.

It would not surprise me to see France and Russia make the case to Saddam that he has to open his kimono, and make a deal with Saddam to go into exile. I think this could happen. If so, it puts us in a bind as to how to deal with post-Saddam Iraq.

[Lion's Cub]

If so, it puts us in a bind as to how to deal with post-Saddam Iraq.

We have to get rid of Hussein and his sons; but we could well be in a bind post-Saddam, anyway. While I'm sure there are some Iraqis who want a democratic, western style government, I'm not holding my breath until one evolves. I think all the odds are against that.

BTW, I suspect that the ship the Russians sent to the Gulf to "protect Russian interests" is probably serving as eyes and ears for Hussein. Let's hope we have some way of jamming their communications once the war starts.

[WashingtonCollegeofLaw]

I for one am not a big fan of abdication/exile. Didnt work with Napoleon, probably wouldnt work with saddam. look at how mafia dons can run their organizations from inside prisons. Realistically, what is to prevent saddam from maintaining at least some control in Iraq. Hes got to be put down.