News Analysis: Playing A Weak Hand Well:

“Iraq’s decision to readmit United Nations inspectors has heightened differences between the United States and its allies and complicated the Bush administration’s task of winning Security Council approval for a tough new resolution.

Seeking to regain the initiative, President Bush announced today that he had reached an agreement with House leaders on a resolution authorizing him to use force if President Saddam Hussein refuses to abandon his efforts to develop chemical, biological and nuclear arms.

The move seemed intended to show the United Nations that the president has the support of numerous American lawmakers and is prepared to take military action on his own if the Security Council is reluctant to act.” NY Times

Also: Path to War on Iraq Gets Murkier

:

“As UN inspectors prepare to head for Baghdad in two weeks, the US seeks tougher terms, and consequences.” Christian Science Monitor