[M. Peach]

I believe that he has already been warned that he will be nuked if he releases WMD first. I would think that he's on defense right now, and in survival mode. What better way to do that then make this announcement?

Of course, only he knows what they are capable of releasing at this point. This is high-stakes poker.

[Arkinsaw]

I believe that he has already been warned that he will be nuked if he releases WMD first.

First, he has to believe it which I doubt he does. Not even sure I believe it. (can you hear the Democrats then?)

Second, we have to consider whether he loves Bagdhad more than the idea of uniting Arabs in outrage over the nuking of Bagdhad. My idea is that he would burn down Bagdhad in a moment if the result was that it would unite the Arab world and gain leadership. I have no doubt that he is capable of that flight of fancy.

Non-Mutual Assured Destruction is not going to be a deterrent in this case I don't believe.

[ZeitgeistSurfer]

Saddam is a trapped rat, but may not yet realize it fully because he still thinks the RATs in this country will forstall an attack. Once he does realize that there is no escape, I think he will use apocalyptic language that essentially says "attack me and I will use my WMDs". Since he doesn't seem to really understand the psychology of the American people, he will assume that we will all panic and that's that. We will attack and he will be destroyed. My guess is that we have been very effective at letting his forces know what will happen to them if they release their WMDs. That doesn't mean it won't happen, but I think there is a very good chance we can stop or minimize the possibilities.