[kjam22]

I would say the chance to "strike while the iron is hot" ended a few months ago. There will be a negotiated agreement of some sort. Saddam ain't going nowhere. Bush is looking for a way to spin this as a win without firing a shot and bring everybody home to their loved ones.

[Scott from the Left Coast]

If that's the outcome, it's Hillary in '04. If Bush backs away at all, he's toasted politically. The economy sure as hell isn't going to save his bacon. That, and America will no longer be a superpower. Your only a superpower if you have the will to use your power.

I think Bush is committed to ending Saddam (he has no choice but to be), it's just that he's let this go on so long now that it's going to be much tougher, with many more problems (like these) than it could have been if he didn't talk so tough and act so little in the ridiculously long road up to this point.

[templar]

Re: #5

I hate to say it, but I'm beginning to have the same thoughts. Saddam's taking a different course of action this time and is playing the international public opinion game. Since he is gaining support domestically and internationally, and Bush is losing it, I'd say he's playing a better game. Bush better do something soon, or he'll be in an awfully akward position if and when he attacks Iraq. And when (if) he does, he's gotta win very quickly (which I believe he can if he doesn't hold anything back).