[WOSG]

interesting take, you have many of these other actors trying to get in on the act on their terms.

The US was hoping to use tha natural tendency to create the bandwagon effect for our own action. Alas, France effecively stunted that effort and created a split (other members like China and Russia would have had passive resistance to our efforts if France was with us).

But I dont see how a formalized exile offer is really different from the informal exile offers out there. Saddam just aint biting, and I am sure everything is locked down too tight for a coup right now. The interesting thing is if Pakistan is out there for "regime change" they are amenable to coming onto a 'disarm or else' resolution.
JMHO (only coin flip chance of being right!).

[way-right-of-center]

I am glad Bush is forcing a vote no matter what. Forces countries to pick a side. Shrewd move, IMHO. That way, you eliminate the "Hillary Syndrome" which I know I really don't have to explain to anyone here. Someone in that cabinet is making some pretty good moves. Cheney, perhaps?

[Theresa]

"But I dont see how a formalized exile offer is really different from the informal exile offers out there. Saddam just aint biting,"

And he won't bite because he already has his escape planned anyway. He's not gonna be there when Bagdad falls and neither are his sons and family members. I think he will go into hiding with the protection of BinLaden. That way he will still be able to be a player, even if only behind the scenes. Besides why wouldn't the French want to give Sadamm several months to go into exile? They think he's contained anyway and not an immediate danger. Their attitude is, Saddam is intolerable, but let's tolerate him.