I wonder... (an Iraq post)

So the top US inspector has said that there are no WMD stockpiles in Iraq.

Now, let's assume by WMD we're referring to nuclear weapons. Chemical and biological weapons, while horrible, aren't nearly as horrible as nuclear weapons.

Either way, let's say the inspectors had run their course before the US went charging in to a war.

Let's suppose that they found WMD -- what would have happened? More sanctions, more isolation and perhaps a multi-national invasion. Especially if they found nuclear weapons.

Let's suppose they didn't find WMD (the more likely scenario). Well, one option is that we would have gone to war anyways, become unpopular with much of the international community and been stuck in a quagmire as we hope to have free elections in Iraq. Sound familiar?

Another option with no WMD would have been that there would be no war at all. But Saddam Hussein probably would have still been in power. That's not so good. Also, an entire genre of books (such as those by Richard Clarke and Bob Woodward) would have never been written, cripping the political publishing industry and bookstores across the country. Also bad.

So the three outcomes:
1) War (with complete international support)
2) War (with incomplete international support -- see current war)
3) Dictator in Iraq and crippling of political punditry

As Agent Smith might say, "It's inevitable."

Thanks for playing the "What if" game. Tune in next week for "What if the Red Sox won Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS?" All I know is if that happened, the terrorists would win.