[Ronn_Bman]

An American fighter pilot, shot down over Iraq at the beginning of the Gulf War (I think it was on the first day), has had his status changed from KIA (killed in action) to MIA (missing in action). They now say he may have been held prisoner all of this time.

Isn't this a little too convenient an excuse involving Iraq?

In the government's defense, I will say that this reclassification didn't happen overnight. Some have been fighting for this pilot to be listed MIA since '96 or '97, but it's just plain bad timing to do it now.

It looks like an excuse for an unpopular (in the world view) attack against Saddam. The status change may be legitimate, but even if it is, the timing has ruined that legitimacy.

Obviously, this change of status will not change the mind of anyone who is against an attack on Iraq.