I firmly believe that history repeats itself, but I hope that is not so in this case. We were told lately that 12 years ago the then coalition forces were within two days of capturing Saddam Hussein. One can think of all the pain and suffering that could have been saved had they proceeded. The US general in charge at that time pulled back, even though he wanted to go ahead. President Bush senior would not let him as he believed that the Iraqi people would topple Saddam Hussein because he was so weakened, but unfortunately it did not work out that way. Not alone did he survive but he came back worse than ever. There is no benefit whatsoever in the forces pulling back. All we can hope for is a quick and successful war and the removal of Saddam Hussein.