saddam taking early retirement?war off, page-18

I have serious doubts that what is happening is a backdown by Saddam. The US is actually in difficulties with protest at home and falling polls. Saudi is worried about their own political stability hence they want to avoid war and meybe them next.

In fact Saddam will be inclined to delay more and appear to be ultra-cooperative with the UN inspectors - time is on his side he may feel and there is still time because Congoleeza (sic) says Jan 27 is the start of the next phase.

The fact that Rice, Rumdfeld and Powell all seized on pardon for Saddam as a way out, even though that would not guarantee the oil supply, indicates the Bush administration is worried after a weekend of huge protest.