When Truth Tried to Stop War

[magellan]

48. The bombing campaign that took place in 2002 wasn't de facto

It was breathtaking in its intent, intensity, and targets:

The Other Bomb Drops - The Nation, June 13, 2005

As for UN Security Council Resolution 1441: as you yourself point out, it did NOT authorize the use of force if Saddam failed to comply with its inspection regime - unlike the IWR. Which is why, in March 2003, France and Russia vowed to veto any US-backed UN resolution that in effect authorized war in Iraq, and Bush never went back to the UN again, instead forming his "coalition of the willing".

The IWR otoh granted Bush the authority to use US military force against Iraq as he deemed necessary, with limited constraints.

SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES.

(a) Authorization.--The President is authorized to use the Armed
Forces of the United States as he determines to be necessary and
appropriate in order to--
(1) defend the national security of the United States
against the continuing threat posed by Iraq; and
(2) enforce all relevant United Nations Security Council
resolutions regarding Iraq.

(b) Presidential Determination.--In connection with the exercise of
the authority granted in subsection (a) to use force the President
shall, prior to such exercise or as soon thereafter as may be feasible,
but no later than 48 hours after exercising such authority, make
available to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the
President pro tempore of the Senate his determination that--
(1) reliance by the United States on further diplomatic or
other peaceful means alone either (A) will not adequately
protect the national security of the United States against the
continuing threat posed by Iraq or (B) is not likely to lead to
enforcement of all relevant United Nations Security Council
resolutions regarding Iraq; and
(2) acting pursuant to this joint resolution is consistent
with the United States and other countries continuing to take
the necessary actions against international terrorist and
terrorist organizations, including those nations, organizations,
or persons who planned, authorized, committed or aided the
terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001.

All Bush had to do after that was decide his patience with diplomacy - something he had little time for in any case - had run out. And that's precisely what he did.

Anyone who voted for the IWR was asleep at the wheel - and that's the BEST I can say about them.