[Question_Assumptions]

Amen...it was Colin, not Tony, who lead us down this road AGAIN.

I think that Powell and Rumsfeld are playing a great game of "good cop/bad cop". Because Powell publicly pushed for diplomacy and UN involvement, he's got great credibility to stand up for the US when other countries start to complain. Everything I've seen from Powell is that he's been willing to stay loyal to the President. If Powell was as out of control as people seem to think, I'm sure we'd be seeing less of him.

[Destro]

again this is what I am saying about delsuions. Powell and Rumsfeld are not playing good and bad cop.

They hate each other so much that they are not speaking to each other.

[Joe Hadenuf]

I think that Powell and Rumsfeld are playing a great game of "good cop/bad cop". Because Powell publicly pushed for diplomacy and UN involvement

Maybe I am missing something here.

So what is the point of this charade?

All this time waste and signals to the enemy can only help the enemy, and give your opponents time to run through the streets with CNN airing their side 10 hours a day, while our troops sit and possibly loose their readiness edge while the enemy has more time to prepare.....

[ApesForEvolution]

Your 'thinking' is not based in fact. Powell and Rumsy are *FAR* from aiming towards the same goal. Powell is *ALL* about world government. Moreso than American security...heck, the two don't even TALK to each other!

[WestTexasWend]

You're right about Powell's loyalty (publically, anyway) and the administrations need for "balance" (especially at State, Dept. of Handholding/Handwringing)... and his "conversion" on Iraq played well for awhile. But he was the weak link in '91, and since the UN obstructionists refused to follow him on regime change he's the weak link again. Is it a role of his own making, or one he's been ordered to play?
It might have been a good gamble on Bush's part, and anything that devalues the UN is welcome, but as things stand now the bet didn't pay, and history will remember Powell as a kink in the hose.