Lee H. Hamilton, JD Biography

"Saddam Hussein is an evil leader who has invaded neighboring countries, attacked Israel, killed or imprisoned thousands of his own people, defied numerous UN resolutions, sought weapons of mass destruction, and used chemical weapons against his own people and Iran. There is no doubt that an Iraq disarmed of its weapons of mass destruction is in the interest of the Middle East and the world. But there have been many questions as to how imminent the threat from Iraq is to the U.S., and whether it is just or legal for the U.S. to attack a country that has not attacked us.

The Bush administration has argued that we must act preemptively to prevent Iraq from obtaining nuclear weapons and threatening the peace of the region and the world, and that Iraq stands in violation of international law by possessing weapons of mass destruction against UN Security Council resolutions. Preemptive action would remove the threat from Iraq and enforce international law.

If tightly applied and monitored, preemption has a place in American national security. But it must be applied carefully. We should establish clear guidelines for taking action, and make an effort to work with our friends and allies."