[CamB]

I just have a few questions of those opposed to our action.

OK, I'll bite.

Do you think that Sadaam would have ever disarmed to the conditions of our cease-fire agreement on his own? If "yes" when? If "no", what would have been a better solution?

Yes. The "when" appears at the moment to be about 2 weeks before being invaded. Having said that, I do expect that some evidence of remaining WMD will eventually be found (but maybe not much). Besides, by over-riding the UN process and invading Iraq the US has forever made this question a moot point.

Do you think it's ever possible for the US to do ANYTHING that isn't percieved by France et al as "US Imperialism", or a "quest for oil"?

Probably not, especially not now. What do you expect. I've posted this elsewhere, but to me it appears the French opposed the US attempt to bully the UN into invading Iraq because it doesn't trust the US, its motives, and a world with the US alone calling the shots. The US then invaded Iraq without UN sanction, proving it isn't trustworthy and does have imperialist tendencies. So beforehand, the French distrusted the US with little cause. Now they have a reason.

Did France and Germany lose any contracts they had with Sadaam, now that he is gone? Hint: yes.

No idea. I know nothing of the details so can't comment.

If this was all about oil, how long do you think it will take before our "investment" pays out? And who gets the cash?

I don't think it is much about oil. I think it is a very overzealous attempt to ensure US security, with scant regard for the remainder of the world. If security includes oil, then fine - the oil argument stands, but generally I'm not into conspiracy theories. I actually don't think the US is imperialist per se - rather it will protect domestic security at any cost. Which right now is making it a pretty crappy international citizen.

When we finally "get the hell out" of Iraq, will they be better off by our leaving than say, Cuba was?

No idea. I don't know much about Cuba. Fidels cafe in Wellington, New Zealand is excellent though. Its on Cuba St.