SADDAM TO THE RESCUE?
Saddam Hussein made clear his strong opposition to President Clinton's impeachment by forcing another showdown with the United States over United Nations weapons inspections on Wednesday. As several moderate Republicans--such as Rep. Sherwood Boehlert (N.Y.), Rep. Jim Leach (Iowa), and Rep. John Edward Porter (Ill.)--came out in favor of impeachment, the Iraqi dictator gave Clinton an opportunity to play Commander-in-Chief at his moment of greatest need.

Iraq has deserved a good bombing for years. Yet if Clinton gives the order this week, after months of capitulating to Saddam, he will have committed the single most craven act of his presidency. Where was this resolve when Scott Ritter was trying to do his job? [Note: Since this article was filed, President Clinton has ordered air strikes against Iraq.]

The timing of this event simply cannot be a coincidence. GOP leaders will be forced to reschedule Thursday's impeachment vote, possibly buying the White House the vital hours it needs to prevail in the only fight it really cares about: saving Clinton's administration from the black mark of impeachment.

This desperate act of cynicism should be the last straw for Republicans still sitting on the impeachment fence. Key members who remain undecided, such as Rep. Philip English (Penn.), Rep. Harris Fawell (Ill.), Rep. Scott Klug (Wis.), and Rep. Frank Riggs (Calif.), will have all the reason they need to join the majority of their Party in supporting Clinton's impeachment. This erstwhile draft-dodger should not be permitted to hide behind the bravery of American soldiers in combat.

Clinton will say politics had nothing to do with his decision. And that will be a lie.