[Elspode]

Rucita said: "If I were an empire I’d rather to command respect because of my negotiation capability, my talent to make up for poor countries, my acts for remedding the hunger around the world, my intelligence, my diplomacy and my ability to resolve national and inernational conflicts with these wirtues I’ve mentioned, but not only because of my army and my force."

We have negotiated for 11 years. No one has *ever* negotiated more than we. We tried sanctions, and were assailed for "starving innocent children". Nowhere has anyone ever pointed the finger at Saddam, least of all you, Rucita.

Intractable despots only understand one thing...power. It is what they use to stay in control, and it is the only way to unseat them. Saying that we didn't negotiate enough is simply untrue. And as far as feeding the hungry...name me one nation that provides more aid than the US...just one, please.

I admire your manner when trying to convey your points, Rucita. You are unfailingly polite and obviously firm in your beliefs, but you are off base here, mi compadre. Saddam bad, we kick ass, things get better.