David,
The problem is, from what I can gather from the pros, "complete freedom of movement" isn't sufficient. The Iraqis have to be totally cooperative, DISCLOSING THE LOCATIONS of WMD and facilities. Apparently, for the inspections to be successful, the Iraqis must willingly say, "Here is what we have and where we have it". Then the inspections can proceed.
I think a complete freedom of movement, without having to announce to anyone in advance where they are going, with ability to go anywhere (including Saddam's bedroom) seems like good enough for me. The US has some info on Iraq, and the inspectors will be fed this info. If they find something built after 1991, or active production capacity, that would be IMO a sufficient trigger for taking Saddam out. If they find something built prior to 1991, Iraq would just have to destroy it. The inspectors would need to have access to any suspected research facilities as well.
Anyway, there is no way Iraq will allow the inspectors in without restrictions, unless the threat of war is real, that's why the Congress needs to approve the resolution ASAP. Now is the time for that (even if the war doesn't eventually happen), because now is the last time real Congress (rather than lame duck Congress) can do it before January 2003.
If it turns out that we don't have to go to war with Saddam eventually, so much the better.
As far as Saddam, what concerns me most is the potential for his cooperation with Al Qaeda like groups, potential to provide WMD, or other high tech or logistical support. Iraq is not anywhere close to have capability to deliver the weapons to threaten the US directly, so indirect thread (through suicide / homocide bombers) is more scary to me. Any real link to Al Quaeda would be a sufficient trigger for me to take out Saddam.
Joe |
