[VampiricDread]

I've been reading with some interest this thread, because I believe on hearing other people's opinions, or better, actively LISTEN before voicing my own views.

With my country active envolvement today at the 3+1 Azores Summit, against the majority of Portuguese desire for peace, I believe the time is ripe to have a contribution to your discussion.

FACTS: Saddam Hussein is a dictator, in control of 24% of the world oil reserves. His regime had weapons of mass destruction, and actively procured more, before the Gulf War. His regime is responsible for crimes against Humanity, namely gassing entire civilian populations.

DOUBTS: Iraq may or may not possess weapons of mass destruction, though it is questionable if Iraq could deploy them beyond its close neighbours. Iraq has never been known to host terrorist Groups (like Kadafi's Lybia did), though this is arguable. Iraqi people have been suffering from their regime, though the propaganda states otherwise.
Will this war against Iraq benefit anyone?

CERTAINTIES: The world economy will suffer from an armed action against Saddam's regime, prolonging the economic crisis affecting the global economy. The Iraqi people will suffer (and die) from the impending war. Many citizens from the US, UK, and possibly UN forces, plus Spanish and Portuguese will die or be targeted.

EVALUATION: Do I believe the world will be better after the war due next week? Not really.
Sure, we'll rid ourselves of Saddam (unless he is as good a mover as Bin Laden), but what about China, North Korea, Israel, etc? Will also the Western countries like the US, UK, France, Russia, etc. dump their weapons of mass destruction? Will the next move against institutionalized terrorist regimes strike Israel, North Korea, and Lybia, to name but 3 will follow swiftly? Not likely.

CONCLUSION: if you are religious, pray; if not, have hope that the Saddams, Bushes, etc. will never get to power in the future, because were all pawns in a game we cannot control. Whatever your beliefs are, let's all hope this dark period ends quickly, and Humanity learns to respect each other's life,( though I'm cynic about it).

Thank you all for your attention, and please reflect on the consequences of the actions the people we vote for Power next time you vote (if you're allowed to do it).