President Bush endorses “regime change” in Iraq as part of a broad post-Sept. 11 strategy to eliminate threats to the United States. The president argues that Saddam Hussein is developing weapons of mass destruction in order to threaten America and her allies, and will never keep his promise to allow unrestricted weapons inspections. Bowing to international pressure, Bush has sought the approval of Congress and the United Nations before taking military action — but he vows to go it alone if necessary. Meanwhile, some of America's closest allies argue that Iraq, already weakened by economic sanctions, does not pose a major threat. Critics also contend that an invasion could distract the United States from the broader war on terrorism and leave Iraq and the entire Middle East in chaos.

David Masci specializes in social policy, religion and foreign affairs. Before joining CQ Researcher as a staff writer in 1996, he was a reporter at CQ's Daily Monitor and CQ Weekly. He holds a BA in medieval history from Syracuse University and a law degree from The George Washington University.