I would hope that everyone’s answer to the above question is a very loud and decisive
NO!
That is current position taken by the US government. Contrary to some peoples understanding, the US government and it's people do not desire war. However one should not mistake a lack of desire for war with a lack of willingness to enact it. I assure you, the resolve to carry through with the military option is quite firm.
Not long ago similar scenarios were played out with regard to Afghanistan and Yugoslavia. The US government and a few of their allies asked for some specific things to be done and backed up that request with a military option.
In the case of Afghanistan, it was: Stop harboring terrorists and hand over the Al-Qaeda leaders or you will be dealt with militarily. They made their choice, they did not choose wisely.
In the case of Yugoslavia, it was: Stop killing or “ethnically cleansing” your own people and threatening your neighbors or you will be dealt with militarily. They too made their choice, and they did not choose wisely.
Now we are at the same point with Iraq, and the US government and some of their allies are now asking: Give up your weapons of mass destruction, stop killing, torturing, and raping your own people and threatening your neighbors or we will deal with you militarily.
Should the US and it’s allies be doing this? Are they being a bully for doing so? Or are they in fact to be commended for these actions against tyrants? Each must answer such questions as they see fit and as their prejudices dictate.
Nonetheless, there is a choice. No war is not the only possibility, even at this late date, however it absolutely is the default choice if what is being asked for at this time is not complied with fully. Saddam, there is a choice, please choose wisely.
Freeman
