1、Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS21325Updated March 31, 2003Iraq: Divergent Views on Military ActionAlfred B. PradosSpecialist in Middle East AffairsForeign Affairs, Defense, and Trade DivisionSummaryOfficials of th
2、e Bush Administration believe military action against Iraq becamenecessary to eliminate threats posed by the Iraqi regime to the U.S. and internationalcommunities. In October 2002, Congress passed a joint resolution (H.J.Res. 114) givingthe President authority to use force if necessary to eliminate
3、threats posed by SaddamHusseins Iraq. Some Members of Congress, commentators, and members of theinternational community questioned the Administrations rationale for military actionor suggested delaying it to allow U.N. weapons inspectors more time to complete theirfindings in Iraq. This report summa
4、rizes arguments that were advanced by theAdministration and by critics of the Administrations position before the war with Iraqwas launched on March 19, 2003. This report will not be updated. For further reading,see CRS Report RL31339, Iraq: U.S. Efforts to Change the Regime, by KennethKatzman. Also