Who or what is evil? No need to get into metaphysics. Just name a court on earth where murder, torture, rape, using airliners as WMDs, tyranny, and brutal oppression are legal. The nations generally agree that those things are illegal, moral questions aside.

Negotiation? a dozen UN resolutions, weapons inspectors, special envoys, saber rattling speeches on both sides of the Atlantic, multiple deadlines to comply. American intentions were very clear before shots were fired.

But shots were fired. It's a shame it came to that. The bible tells me that generally war is a bad thing, to be avoided, and those who instigate it are violating precepts of peace and risking God's wrath. On the other hand, in certain circumstances, the Lord commands his people to conquer, sparing no one and nothing. Even the Persians were instruments of the Lord to punish the Israelites in battle and take them captive when they were disobedient to God.

So Bush and his intelligence apparatus apparently made the best decision they could, considering what they had to work with, and with other long term goals in mind. Such as economic stability (oil) and the potential value to the middle east of a possible democracy there, rather than a tyranny or a theocracy. Again, those who want to condemn Bush for nasty ulterior motives, let's watch how things unfold. The road will be very rocky, and much blood may yet be spilled, but the next regime in Iraq may just bring opportunities for good to the people there, and in turn help create a less volitile middle east.