Operation Iraqi Freedom appears to be a war declared based upon rhetoric. This rhetoric that appeared in the Iraq inspired UNSCRs have caused quite a stir. One of the United States strongest arguments for war is elicited from the use of vague phrasing surrounding retaliation for failed compliance. UNSCR 1441 recognized Iraq’s failed compliance with the Resolutions put forth in UNSCR 687, and expressed concerns that Iraq was a major threat to peace and stability in the region. The Resolution was intended to be a final warning to Iraq; a “comply or else” Resolution, claiming failure to do so would result in “serious consequences”. The use of the term ‘serious consequence’ was also interpreted by the United States as the use of force to ensure
