ugh
We couldn't strike pre-emtively at the USSR without suffering terribly ourselves, hence the stand-off.
We have, however, a chance to stop Saddam Hussein from acquiring the tools he needs to hold the region hostage to his lunacy. Once he has those tools, it will become immensely more difficult to restain him from inflicting massive, horrible damage.
Perhaps you are willing to take the Iraqi government at its word. Thankfully though, you are not the President.