The Americans want to race in and smash the proverbial out of Iraq. Remember since the time of the civil war and Generals Grant and Sherman the US military has believed in the meat grinder approach to war which is about as subtle as a Mack Truck.
The UN members France and Russia have been on the wrong side of meat grinders; the French at Verdun and the Russians in the Second World War. I believe that they also want to be rid of Hussein but are prepared to use sneakiness and steady pressure to gradually push him back inch by inch.
We should remember the parable of the young bull and the old bull. The young bull wants to charge down into the paddock and shag a few cows. The old bull wants to walk down real slow and shag the lot. George Bush is like the young bull. He wants to race in real fast and smash everything in sight. The French and the Russians are like the old bull.
The scenario runs like this.
First we insist on inspection. Saddam cheats. On goes the pressure. Then he will have to let the U2's fly overhead. Then he will have to let the scientists talk to the inspectors without minders. Then he will find a few chemical and biological weapons which were overlooked.
These will be destroyed. Then a few more and a few more. Every time he gives way his position will be undermined. Eventually his regime will crumble.
Of course this may not work. Then we take him liike Grant took Richmond.
