Another mistake was giving Saddam two years warning that the United States was coming after him. Saddam has had two years to prepare his defenses which is not good. This is going to cost plenty of American lives. Broadcasting your intentions is one thing that smart military men avoid.
There has been way too much talk for too long a time with no action. We should be in Iraq a month ago. Part of the problem was Bush having to drag the public along but bluster and repeated threats do not help the boys that have to go in.
I am very skeptical that NK and China will not take advantage of the situation to attack South Korea and Tiawan. I do not have the faith that Red China is our friend or ally in the war on terrorism. Aid and diplomacy makes us look weak in Asia.
North Korea has repeatedly told us that they will attack if we don't give them aid. Blackmail is not a tool of foreign policy, it is encouragement to take a harder line to see if more blackmail can foster more aid.