[dasboot]

Is it possible that the officialy expressed lack of certainty about the connection, along with the similar "fog" surrounding the actual existence of WMD's in Iraq, is a strategic move on the part of Western allies to encourage Saddam that there is still hope for him?

I can't imagine that the military buildup would be continuing apace without such certainty; and it's easy for me to imagine that a Saddam without hope would destroy himself, his country, and as many other people as he could touch with his suicidal swan-song.

Allowing for the positioning of the military while Saddam wonders if he can yet again delay his inevitable downfall, the public uncertainty serves the purposes of the good guys. I think that when all is ready, the naked truth will be made known to a doubting Western public.

[Wallaby]

> I think that when all is ready, the naked truth will be made known to a doubting Western public.

That is my wish too, but in the back of my mind is the dreadful warning that we must be careful what we hope for.

[aristeides]

OTOH, if Saddam agrees to go peacefully into exile, there'll never be any reason to tell the public the truth. That would just make it harder for them to accept his going into exile.