Do you realize that the ongoing low-level conflict with Iraq, which has existed since 1990, is probably the longest in American history (except for Vietnam?), and has provided tons of data supporting upgrades to US weapons systems? Just think about how much more accurate the Patriot missiles and the Tomahawk cruise missiles are today, as compared to 1990.

I think the problem here is that nobody, not the USA and UK, not the West, not Russia, not the international community at large, and certainly not the pathetic Iraqis themselves, knows exactly what the heck to do about Saddam Hussein. So I guess current policies, and periodic US/UK bombing exercises, will continue until Saddam dies a natural death 15 or 20 years from now?