The sanctions against Iraq could've been lifted years ago had he complied with all those UN Resolutions. His refusal to do so is not our fault. If Saddam is out, there probably wouldn't be any need to keep the sanctions in effect while the search for WMD goes on. In fact, I'd be surprised if they were still in effect a month after it's all over.

The US has no intention to replace every dictator on Earth, as nice as that sounds. Those that sponsor terrorism and agression had better watch their backs. That's a pretty small number, and it's bound to get smaller after the first few find themselves out of power or worse.

As for Europe, it reminds me of the battered wife who stays with an abusive husband because her self-confidence and self-worth has been destroyed. In her abused state, she lacks the confidence to leave the abuser.

I still stand by my earlier statement that the US should rapidly phase out our military forces stationed in Europe. If there's no threat, then there's no need. If there is a threat, let Europe grow up and face it. Those who yelled "Yankee Go Home" to me when I was stationed there should get their wish. I'm tired of carrying your sorry asses with our taxes and our troops. In the Cold War days, over a third of our annual defense budget went to protect Europe. The percentage might be lower today, but it can be lower still.