I predict that the time limit will be up, and Iraq will whine that they haven't had sufficient time. Then there will be a bunch of speeches in the U.N., and we'll go round and round again.
I appreciate Pres. Bush's attempt to deal through the U.N. to silence the critics, foreign and domestic. But IMO if Iraq defies the U.N. resolutions according to OUR interpretation--not what France or Syria are going to say next week that they "really" say--this thing is going to go on and on and on.
The upside of this has to be that while the heat is on Saddam, he is likely not able to do much to further his plans to hit us (which I'm convinced he has every intention of doing).
If I was a betting man, I would bet that Saddam rejects the UN resolution... The language is too strong and demands too much (ie inspections of Presidental Palaces et al). He will lose all crediblity with his base if he accepts, and will prefer to go out in a blaze of "glory". Look for the rejection (or something similar) in the next 48 hours, and for the air war to begin before next Friday. Heavy bombardment will continue (along with covert Special Forces operations) for about three weeks, while the rest of the large invasion force is assembled and positioned. The new moon early next month will provide the darkness required for the ground assault, and it will all be basically over by Christmas. The military's gift of Saddam's head will look great in the Oval Office.
Back when reality ruled, actions like this was clearly treason and the reaction swift.
Saddam must love these guys...