Dale,

I'm willing to give Bush ipso facto credit for stopping the atrocities in Iraq as he was the one at the helm.  But what kind of credit do you think he should receive?  If you feel that this alone sanctions the war I wouldn't agree but also couldn't blame you for taking such a stance.  I'm more worried about those individuals who put blind unwavering trust in this administration and now see Iraq at our disposal (aka "To the victor goes the spoils").  Seeing how this administration has operated in the past who would dispute that this will only inflame their lust for profiteering and geopolitical control.  Those who don't are either poor students of history or have failed to put this administration's previous actions into context.

So, yes Dale, I will give Bush credit for the liberation.  Due to the hazy issues surrounding this I chose not to openly protest the war.  However, my public protests will officially begin if I see the U.S. positioning themselves for a puppet government or manipulation of Iraq for friendly international business relations.  If you want to make the argument that the coalition spent the effort and money on the war so they have a stronger investment in the profits that's fine.  Here's a simple solution: arrange a method whereby the U.S. and coalition forces are compensated for time and money spent.  Upon this remuneration turn full control over to the U.N. for rebuilding efforts.  If our sole issue was human rights we should have no problem with this eh?

Brent