The Iraqi people have suffered under this rogue regime .. and it will not be inconceivable that once Hussein and his government is ousted that the Iraqi population will embrace change .. and those who dont will undoubtedly be educated as to the evils of the Hussein regime and the good that change will bring to their lives.
As for Blair's 50+ page intelligence report claiming Suddam Hussein had continued to produce chemical and biological weapons and could deploy them within 45 minutes has been criticised as being 'unpersuasive'. I think if you were sold on that issue prior to Blair's pronouncement then it would strengthen your resolve .. but if you were skeptical its unlikely to alter your postion .. as in Jaques Chirac's assessment ..
The New Zealand Prime Minister said ..there is still no proof, only indications
We are all agreed that Hussein's deposal is beneficial to the Iraqi, regional and Global communities. We just dont agree on the method. However with or without a UN lead campaign .. the US are geared up for War.I dont think the dossier will persuade people who weren't persuaded that there should be unilateral armed intervention'
The US is currently negotiating and preparing the training of approximately 10,000 Shi'ite, Sunni muslims and ethnic Kurd organisations and defectors from Iraq .. who are being prepared to aid the US in the upcoming attack.
I also do not dispute the US' good intentions .. though I can not support US unilateral action .. and fair go .. they are attempting to gain UN approval
No one can argue that the US do not possess a mandate to pursue Al Quaida .. but they do not possess a mandate for unilateral action beyond that.
Like Cov jr says
..That is why we must never have one nation who police the globe - who would regulate them
indeed who will regulate them??
And as far as terrorists are concerned .. as I have said many times there is a very fine line between 'terrorist' and 'freedom fighter' .. many who may be labelled 'terrorist' may well claim to be 'freedom fighters' - - fighting for their right of survival .. for their homes and families and their beliefs.
And there are some outright absolutely no question .. 'terrorists' ..
The Russians and Chinese internal problems with 'muslim minorities and ethnic divisions' in this political climate of anti-terrorism .. will get the green light from the US to deal with their internal issues .. in what ever manner they see fit .. likely under the labelled/justification of .. internal terrorists.
I suspect the US will agree to turn a blind eye to their methods .. to gain their (Russian Chinese) support in accessing a UN Security Council Resolution in support of US lead campaign against Iraq.
Yes .. since the Bush declaration of a War on Terrorism .. an inordinate amount of world leaders have been asigning the term 'terrorist' to a wide range of groups. Some we would probably have no arguement with .. but others we might reasonably question.
And it may not only be that this label alone is used to justify further aggression .. but also nation states who promulgate anti-US sentiment may come under US scrutiny ... if Bush is true to his words ..
if you are not with us .. you're against us
.. but if you fail to acknowledge that .. I am disappointed.
A view then from a Brit.. myself, is that the Rt Hon Tony Blair spends far too much time sniffing Bush' crotch, and not enough bothering to explore much less represent the feeling at home. I can't possibly tell you how sick to the back teeth I am of hearing about the so called 'special relationship'. What does that mean to me, a British voter ??? All I see is, as some have said, is Blair seeming to fawn around Bush as though simple proximity to the most powerful nations leader were an aphrodisiac. I don't know how many Brits or Americans here will have seen it.. but not too long after 9/11 Question Time [a very good political debate prog here] was hosted in NY as a one off. It was an eye-opener for me. A number of the young American participants voiced exactly the same doubts about Blairs motives as I had myself.. and concerns over the vagueness of language being used to justify miltary action.. bullying of the UN etc. I was incredibly heartened to see an American viewpoint more willing to question than that represented in the news here. I'm digressing... Blair.. I just can't understand this tendency of British PM's to follow America's lead in all things.. I don't think the relationship has had any kind of balance since perhaps Thatchers time. I have nothing against American people.. that should be a given. What i do however resent is my country seeming to suborn its native interests to anothers. Bad enough in itself.. but how far do you think American politics takes consideration of our [UK] interests? Look for instance at the recent WTO/Steel row.. or the banana row with the West Indies. Of course America is going to look after its own agenda. Thats neccessary.. expected.. but so should we be. It isn;t for instance.. in America's interests for the UK to be part of a more integrated EU. As a solid trading block this would swing economic power more in our favour than at current. But politically.. philisophically etc.. i feel much more in kin with Europe than the USA. And economically it makes sense. The CBI has been shouting at the govt for years to join the Euro.. gah.. too much to be said here... this is a chat topic more than post.. but anyway.. yes i think Blairs too much of a lapdog 
