Bush's hand on Iraq strengthened by GOP gains in Congress, likely UN approval of tough resolution

Associated Press ^ | 11-6-02 | BARRY SCHWEID, AP Diplomatic Writer

[Oldeconomybuyer]

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Republican gains in Congress and a brighter outlook at the United Nations for a tough stand on Iraq are strengthening President Bush's hand as he considers going to war with Saddam Hussein.

Bush's decision could come soon. The resolution, primed for passage in the Security Council on Friday, would send an advance team of international inspectors to Iraq a week to 10 days afterward, chief U.N. inspector Hans Blix said Wednesday.

[stalin]

As this post points out there was already a significant margin suporting the war a few extra votes doesn't make any difference at this time as far as going to war is concerned. It might be needed in the future though.

What bugs me is "as he considers going to war with Saddam Hussein "
We are going. That's it. They just say that to apease other nations as if we are consulting them.

What worries me is that we wont do it properly. We absolutely must occupy Iraq like we did Japan and Germany until we are sure that there will continue to be a pro-American government there. A regime change is not nearly enouph. That could be worse than not removing him at all.

[hchutch]

I think a lot of them were waiting to see how the election turned out.

Now, they're going to act based on those results.

[kapj]

I can't wait to see the thousands of giddy newly-liberated Iraqis wildly greeting the arrival of George W. Bush in Free Baghdad.

And I can't wait to watch all those pantywaist 'Rats eat crow!

Let Freedom Ring From Every Iraqi Villiage and Town!!!

Let's Roll!!!!

[chiefqc]

Special Alert:

UN and sad damn are on notice, Tick,Tick Tick goes the clock.

[Oldeconomybuyer]

I was concerned when the UN resolution slowed last week, but it seems either the Bush administration or the UN Security Council (or both) wanted to delay it until after the election. The election clearly gives Bush and Powell more leverage.

[Oldeconomybuyer]

Agree.

[hchutch]

Putin will come on board. The French already have.

The question will be the PRC.

[colorado tanker]

"The question will be the PRC." They will abstain. Won't approve action but won't block it.

[stalin]

It wont make any difference in votes in congress yet but I agree that it does give him more leverage. I hope that he doesn't make some dumb promises to hold some coelision together or get a favorable UN resolution like his father did. That would be worse than no resolution.

[AmericaUnited]

"The bombing will begin in 5 minutes..."