While the course of allowing more time to the weapons inspectors may not have succeeded, it would probably have dispelled notions of self-interest and political expediency, which are important. The non-compliance of Saddam Hussein's regime with UN resolutions over the past 12 years would probably have continued, but a concerted, united front at UN level might just have secured a peaceful solution. This raises serious questions for the UN itself, which will have to be addressed when this war is over.