Diplomacy: His Lonely March

Bush would love as much support as possible against Iraq, but in the end he requires only his own resolve

The most solemn moments for an army preparing to wage war come right before it begins. For weeks now, the 250,000 soldiers positioned on Iraq's borders have been winding down their rehearsals, armed and ready to invade, waiting only for President Bush to declare that the diplomatic clock has run out. It appears they won't be waiting much longer. At the White House last Thursday night, Bush looked and sounded like a Commander in Chief who has already made up his mind. "It makes no sense to allow this issue to continue on and on," he said, surely signaling the start...

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