Have the people who don’t think the memo is interesting actually read the memo?? I’ve provided a few snippets out of context. You really could read more of the memo to understand the full implications.
How do you reconcile this? Clearly a decision to invade has been made, the only thing unclear is exactly when to start dropping bombs.
The Defence Secretary said that the US had already begun "spikes of activity" to put pressure on the regime. No decisions had been taken,[about when to launch the invasion] but he thought the most likely timing in US minds for military action to begin was January, with the timeline beginning 30 days before the US Congressional elections.
If you read on in the memo, not only has the US committed to war, but the UK is challenging the legality of such action.
It seemed clear that Bush had made up his mind to take military action, even if the timing was not yet decided. But the case was thin. Saddam was not threatening his neighbours, and his WMD capability was less than that of Libya, North Korea or Iran. We should work up a plan for an ultimatum to Saddam to allow back in the UN weapons inspectors. This would also help with the legal justification for the use of force.
The UK reasons that they better slow the US down and force Saddam’s hand w/ an ultimatum.