Bob Herbert

In the following viewpoint, syndicated columnist Bob Herbert contends that U.S. air strikes on Iraq are not justified. Using military force to diminish the threat of Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction would be unsuccessful, Herbert maintains. Furthermore, such actions could result in the deaths of thousands of innocent Iraqi civilians. The United States should focus on bringing down Iraqi president Saddam Hussein rather than resort to inhumane air strikes, Herbert concludes.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. In Herbert’s opinion, why has it become easier for the United States to drop bombs on foreign lands?
2. Why is the resolve to drop bombs on Iraq a badly planned policy, according to Herbert?
3. Why are there no clearly defined strategic goals for a...