"The Case" A Critical analysis of the article "Making His Case" by Karen Tumulty, "Attacking Iraq, Think Again," by Mark Strauss, & a speech on Oct 8, 2002, by Pres Bush.

The debate about the relationship between the United States and Iraq is a hot topic

these days, and there are many differences of opinion to consider. In comparing the speech given by President George Bush, "Saddam Hussein is a Threat to Peace," to an article written by journalist Mark Strauss entitled, "Attacking Iraq, (Think Again)," we see that these two agree on some points, but disagree on more. There are three topics that both men address. One of these is the question of the right time to launch a military assault on Iraq. Another is whether or not Iraq could sustain the downfall of the present regime, and finally, if there is a connection between Iraq and other Middle Eastern terrorist groups.

Both President Bush and Mark Strauss addressed the issue of whether or not it is a good idea for the United States to attack Iraq now, or to wait.

English: Former President of Iraq, Saddam Hussein,...

Carlos Cardoen meets with Iraqi Leader Saddam Huss...

English: Image from Iraqi state television. Reprod...

President Bush is ready to attack now and states, "We have grounds to presume the worst of Iraq, and it is our responsibility to prevent the worst from happening" (Bush 4). He points out that we have tried containment, sanctions, inspections, and selected military action and feels that the longer we wait, the more tough and daring Saddam will become (4,5). Bush believes that waiting would be the riskiest of all options and states, "The danger is already significant and only grows with time" (2). He also says that failure to act would embolden other tyrants, allow terrorists access to new weapons and new resources, and make blackmail a permanent feature of world events. Bush claims that many nations are uniting with us and he is also demanding that Saddam's regime be held accountable (3-5).

Mark Strauss, however, believes that at this time there is not enough support...