Here’s a great point. The Toronto Star’s Olvia Ward makes the argument that Saddam believes that he is in a ‘Catch-22’ concerning weapons inspectors:

For Saddam, the incentive to disarm would also be weighed against another important factor, his image as a strongman leader. From the start of his career in the 1960s his rule was imposed by force, and he fears any sign of weakness. His early declaration of purpose is symbolic: “We must kill those who conspire against us.”

“Saddam is actually wrapped up in the belief that he is going to win, because he has in the past,” Ram added. “After the Gulf War he was amazed that he wasn’t dead — and was still in power. So in a way he was correct about winning that war. Every government he opposed is out of power, and because of sanctions and the military presence of the U.S. and Britain he’s been able to gain greater control of Iraq.”

As the clock ticks ever louder in Baghdad and Washington, Saddam is faced with the most dangerous decision of his life. The outcome will depend on whether he remains rooted in the violent past — or takes a leap into an uncertain, turbulent future. On the latter, few political bookmakers are offering odds.