[Davros]

I can't help thinking that balance sheet came out negaitive because I don't think in the end that the US won any lasting influence or support in the area. AQfter they came in and helped Kuwait in the first gulf war they had a much more poistive image in Saudi / Egypt etc because they were supporting and stabilising teh region. The 2nd gulf war didn't have that local trigger - teh US looked more like outside aggressors and eroded that good level of influence. In that respect it seems like a heavy price to pay to be able to say to Saddam that no-one thumbs their nose at the US with impunity.

I rather think that getting the CIA to infect him with a disfiguring disease would have been a cheaper and better way to go.