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Time Running Out on Saddam as War Draws Near
By Jeff Gannon
GOPUSA News
March 6, 2003

WASHINGTON (GOPUSA News) -- "Weeks not months" has been an oft-uttered phrase in response to questions about when war with Iraq might begin. First spoken on January 30, the signs that military action is imminent are unmistakable. Secretary of State Colin Powell, generally perceived to be the last man standing in the way of war said, "Time is running out on Saddam Hussein. We have been waiting for 12 years for him to disarm... and we're not seeing the compliance."

President Bush began his day Wednesday with a breakfast meeting with House and Senate Democrat and Republican leaders to talk about a variety of international issues. Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) said that timetables on Iraq were discussed.

General Tommy Franks arrived from Central Command in Qatar to update the National Security Council in the White House Situation Room. President Bush had a luncheon meeting with Vice President Dick Cheney prior to meeting with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights ostensibly to discuss the alleged war crimes of Saddam Hussein.

These meetings came on a day when France, Germany and Russia announced they would not support a United Nations resolution that authorized the use of force. White House Spokesman Ari Fleischer downplayed the significance of that announcement by saying that "this is part of the process."

Fleischer recalled that similar positions were expressed before the Gulf War, but when the vote was taken, nations that once opposed military action supported the resolution. "The President is confident of the ultimate outcome," Fleischer said.

When asked about a timetable, Fleischer replied, "Well, the timetable is, one, to listen to what Mr. Blix reports; [and] two, to make a determination about the timing to proceed at the United Nations Security Council on when the vote will take place." Fleischer declined to speculate on any other timetable.

It is clear that the United States is ready to take action should the President decide the time is right. Considering Saddam Hussein's reluctance to cooperate or comply, war may be only a week away.

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