A lot of people (Europe, especially) have expressed concern... okay, let's admit it, they've been "horrified" at the Iraq-related comments coming from the Bush administration lately. All around the world, various nations have condemned the idea of a preemptive strike against Hussein for his pursuit of weapons of mass destruction and his defiance of the U.N. inspection resolution. A lot of people are suggesting that Bush simply wants a war to raise his popularity and that's it.

But look at the result. Iraq is, for the first time in years, finally talking about letting inspectors back into the country. Of course they're not talking full access yet and they're currently demanding an end to sactions first, they're still back at the table. In addition, countries all over the world are exerting more pressure on Iraq to comply with the U.N. resolutions. Some because they want to avoid needless violence. Others, I imagine, just because they want to spite the U.S.

But what prodded this all on was the war rhetoric coming from the White House. And maybe this was their goal the entire time. A little saber rattling to get Iraq back in line.