David Pugh wrote:

The sad truth is that even if we caught the Syrians red-handed turning small
pox virus over to Osama, there isn't much we could do about it. We don't
have the resources to do it right now

Agreed and until and unless congress authorizes and increase in U.S. military
force end strength this will continue for quite sometime.

and we've severly limited our options
in the future by destroying any credibility we used to have. Any claim by
the US that pre-emptive action is needed against Syria, Iran, Pakistan
(after the revolution), etc. is going to be dismissed as "that's what you
claimed last time."

Agree. We will have to provide direct proof that lies well outside "our
intelligence estimates...."

Offhand, I'd say Muslim fundamentalists are far more upset with the US now

For the present time you are correct. It appears anger and our presence in the
holy land has been replaced by anger at our presence in Iraq. When our forces
leave Iraq I'd expect somewhat of an improvement.

Which is a false argument, anyhow: we could have withdrawn our forces from
Saudi Arabia any time we wanted to.

If we wanted to abandon Operation SOUTHERN WATCH and leave Hussain to his own
devices in Southern Iraq you're right, but I don't believe that would have been
a positive thing for regional stability.

Given Iraq's great success against Iran
(with it had a far stronger army), I'd be really surprised if they could
accomplish much against Saudi Arabia given US air support.

The problem is, without PSAB you can't get US air support over most of Iraq in
large enough numbers.


BUFDRVR

"Stay on the bomb run boys, I'm gonna get those bomb doors open if it harelips
everyone on Bear Creek"