America's war

George W. Bush made no direct mention of the CR in his state of the union address a few hours ago. He did, though, say that if Saddam Hussein doesn't disarm, the U.S. will lead a coalition to disarm him. The address was aimed primarily at Americans but was nevertheless notable for its emphasis on U.S. interests. "I will defend the freedom and security of the American people," Bush said. If the U.S. goes to war against Iraq, he added, it will fight with the full force of its military, and it will prevail. No direct mention was made of the international disharmony on Iraq. The course of the U.S. does not depend on the decisions of others, he said to rousing applause. Bush came close to making a declaration of war. It's often said that by sending a few hundred men to Kuwait, the CR isn't really going to war. But Bush's message was clear. This is war. America's war.