[areafiftyone]

I don't know how reliable this source is.

[CyberAnt]

Geeeee ... as a permanent member, can't we VETO that!!

[bart99]

I haven't read through all the replies to this yet, but it only would, if accepted, address half the problem. We, the USA, would stilll have to go in and find and destroy all the weapons still hidden. That in itself would constitute a formal occupation of sorts. Doesn't take Iraq out of harms way, even if the 'regime' goes.

[Theresa]

I can't see the Vatican going along with anything "that paves the way to war." The article says Saddam's failure to take the deal would pave the way to war.

I just don't think this information is reliable.

[laz17]

But didn't Saddam tell Dan Blather he would die in Iraq? Surely he wouldn't lie to his buddy Dan.

[Grampa Dave]

I think that if our left wing politicians, mediots and of course the Iraqi whores in waiting, France, Germany, Russia, China and Belgium hadn't given cover to Saddam. He would probably have left by now.

Aziz, made a special trip to the Vatican in February, and I have been waiting for them to make a big push for Saddamn to leave.

He doesn't need 72 hours. The old Western American custom of "You have until sunset to get out of town!", works very well.

[AFPhys]

Two days ago, just after President Bush's news conference, I stated to Miss Marple in the "...Snooze Alarm..." thread, and later in the "Iraq urges UN to resist War Resolution" thread, that President Bush's determination to force the Security Council to vote on this had the diplomatic airwaves buzzing attepting to figure out how to respond. They were certain that if the US and UK could not garner the votes, they would not table another resolution, but rather simply proceed as they saw fit. This article shows just how much they are buzzing and squirming. It is just not done ... forcing them to show their cards.

No matter what any of the naysayers may believe, this President is a True Leader. I am stunned at the depth of knowledge of human nature and politics he displays. I have the highest regard for his advisors, but their ability and advice is being shown to be incredible. I am continually amazed at how much in the dark so many of those who underestimate him are.

Let it not be misunderstood... I am not real excited about the prospect of Saadumb remaining in this world in exile. However, as Eva, Dog and others pointed out, this is an eminently reasonable proposal that includes "force" that many of the SC members will support, and France will be hard pressed to reject. (not that they won't)...

Way...'s comment about the UN just trying to control the oil fields is not far afield, but it is insufficient. The major problem they are having is not that, but the "becoming irrelevant" problem, and when even Kissinger is excoriating them, you know they see the problem... he is respected, and they certainly heard what he said yesterday.

Again, as Dog said, I believe there is almost zero chance... well, maybe as much as 10% chance, that Saadumb will accept this ultimatum. I am afraid he will, and do not want him to do so. FRgal's observation of our President's concern for our troops does temper that desire of mine, though, and there she also has that "middle six ... pawn brokers" statement which is a nice insight.

However, possibly the most important comment on this thread was made by frei_staat (108): "What gets my attention to this is that our military wouldn't get bogged down in the administration, care and feeding of Iraq. That, to me, is more of a concern than prosecuting the war. With US forces not pinned to Iraq, at least four divisions are free to point at the next event."

"Let them who have eyes, see."

[John Lenin]

Saddam spends his last moments with friend.

[steveegg]

I can't help but to marvel at the British Office of Strategic Information. They make ours look like pikers.

That having been said, those of you who have 3/14/2003-3/17/2003 in your pools, hang onto your tickets.

[TLBSHOW]

surrender or the UN will disarm him with the US. making the UN even stronger that is the plan!

[George W. Bush]

Something to sell a few weekend papers.

Not credible.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Anyone who apposes military force to overthrow the Iraqi Dictatorship, supports the above atrocities by proxy.

[aristeides]

I haven't heard anything about this proposal on the Sunday morning shows.

[Jumper]

Saddam, like Bill Clinton, is a coward. Cowards tend to destroy anything they touch while in power, but personally are afraid for their lives and legacy. Men of honour, normally take chances and let the chips fall where they may, hoping that history is kind. Those of the ilk of Saddam will always miscalculate.

[Becki]

Pope John Paul II has dispatched his emissaries to meet all the key parties during the past two weeks. His special envoy and per manent observer at the UN, Archbishop Renato Rafaele Martino, has been discussing the proposal with all the Security Council members.

Didn't the Vatican do the same thing for the Nazis? They are supposed to have ferreted numerous Nazi criminals out to safe haven to protect them from the big bad Allies.

Becki

[Salvation]

Thirty six hours and counting. (From the post time)