This has got to be among the most farcical approaches to war in recent history...and still no end in sight. What the hell is going on here? France, Germany, the UN, the space shuttle, duct tape and orange alerts...these are all just sideshows to a main event that seems never to arrive. Are we playing games here or what. In my opinion it is time for Bush to put his money where his mouth is or else call if off altogether (God forbid). If it takes 8-9-10 months (or more) to prepare for war then heaven help us if we ever need to react swiftly. There has been no sense of urgency, no sense of immediacy - nothing but hedging, delaying, and dragging our feet. With international opinion increasingly and overwhelmingly being voiced in opposition to this game, the adminsitration better put up or shut up before the tide turns even more ominously against us. Needless to say, I have NOT been happy with the pace of this ridiculous charade. The ever-present expectation, anticipation and anxiety over the start of this operation is exhausting to sustain. Doesn't anyone else feel this way? I know patience is a virtue but - speaking for myself - it is wearing really thin. What gives?
Here's a possible answer: We have not fought against WMD's since WWI. In some circles it is being said that the inspectors and the UN have helped put Saddam in a box where he cannot readilly disperse his WMD because of the inspection process so it is to our tactical advantage to go that route. It also give us time to control the north and south with special ops forces working with indigenous forces (Kurds and Shia) as well as to promote a coup. Certainly the pressure on Saddam is immense and he is less of a threat with that pressure on him. Lastly, the administration has clearly said it wants to have an international coalition not only for the legitimacy of the war but also for the huge task of nation building ahead of us after Saddam falls.
There are tactical issues:
David Hackworth and others have raised: The reality is that our NBC suits and decontamination apparatus has been neglected. New suits have been dispensed but the fact is these suits are made for rear-echelon use, not for active gorund battle. They are not designed to allow the freedom of movement needed by fighting troops, etc. Check out this link:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/02/14/60minutes/main540691.shtml
If this is not disinformation, bringing Jordan and Turkey on line is critical to our battle plan and that has taken quite some time. Turkey is still haggling over economic issues -that are real.
I understand your impatience, but since WWI, coalition warfare has been the rule of the day. Fighting with a coalition is very difficult politically. Read Churchill's writings about WWII for example.
For now, Saddam is in a box and we have not lost American lives. There is no military pressure on the US to launch - just political pressure. In fact, considering the inability of the American public to tolerate casualties, Bush had better make sure all his political and military ducks are in a row before he gives the word.