I keep telling you guys the data gathered was nothing more than frosting on the cake. Declarations from Iraq to the UN would tell any reasonable person that the WMDs were there. As for the ugency, let's review news stories reported in the press in the months leading to the war:
1. Iraq regularly shooting at coallition planes patroling the no fly zone. That alone is grounds for military action according to the post Gulf War I agreements, IIRC.
2. Regular refusals (over a 12 year period mind you!) & delays in permitting inspections at various sites, giving Sadam a chance to move his WMD materials & personel away prior to allowing inspectors in.
3. US seeking UN agreement on action against Iraq for their refusal to allow un-inhibited inspections is unexpectedly met with resistance. Diplomats from france are actually campaigning/bribing other countries (particularly in Africa if you will recall) to vote against action, and france assures security council veto. Further investigation into the matter reveals contacts between the french ambasador & persons handling money in the oil for food program. Investigation begins as to whether or not france has been selling their security council vote.
4. Prior to invasion, review of the last two Iraq declarations reveals missing WMD materials & delivery systems - in a very considerable quantity. I documented these discrepancies on CEG with links to the CBS News website on more than one occasion. Additionally, Iraq is un-able and/or un-willing to provide explanations of these discrepancies & again blocks inspectors & refuses to allow access to various "palaces" that are suspected to house WMD materials and/or information.
Considering the animosity developed over the last two decades between Iraq & the U.S., is there any doubt that Iraq would at least consider placing some of the materials in terrorist hands??? With some material already gone, what choice would you have made given these conditions?
