THE DECISION TO GO TO WAR IN IRAQ
Topics

1. PRECEDENTS: Why have nations (especially the U.S.) waged war in the past? How is war generally justified?

2. MOTIVATIONS: Why did President Bush decide that the use of force was necessary in Iraq at this time? What does the president say about his motivations and goals? What other possible motivations do others ascribe to him?

3. DIPLOMACY: What was the outcome of the diplomatic process in the United Nations? What does this mean for the future and relevance of the U.N.? What support does the U.S. have in this war?

4. INPUTS: What role did others play in the decision to go to war? The American people? Congress? Our allies? Saddam Hussein?

5. RISKS: What are the risks of going to war with Iraq at this time? The possible costs?