The Bush Doctrine
How does it apply to this war?

War against Iraq is not just unfinished business from the Gulf War in 1991.

It is also a continuation of the war against terror.

It partly stems from the much-touted Bush Doctrine, developed after the September 11 attacks.

We take a look at the evolution of the Bush Doctrine, how it applys to Iraq, and its implication for the wider world.

US President, George W Bush said, "Every nation, in every region, now has a decision to make. Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists. From this day forward, any nation that continues to harbour or support terrorism will be regarded by the United States as a hostile regime.""

September 11 had awoken the United States to the dangers of bio and chemical terrorism.

In his speech to UN on September 12, 2002, George W Bush said, "We can not stand by and do nothing while dangers gather we must stand up for a new security and for the permanent rights and the hopes of mankind by heritage and by choice. The united States of America will make that stand and delegates to the United Nation , you have the power to make that stand as well."

Since that speech, US interests in disarming Iraq have become a part of the international community, whether they like it or not.

Not since the end of the World War II has the US displayed the political will as it is now doing to reshape the international environment.

Terrorists can hide anywhere, even within the US, but countries and regimes cannot.

By threatening military action and pursuing them in Afghanistan and Iraq, the United States serves notice to any future state that dares to harbour or aid terrorists.

It also makes every country responsible for terrorist organisations or activity within its borders.

Implicit in this principle is that the US will aid any country, as it has done in the Philippines, in the fight against terrorism

Just as implicit is the threat of intervention.

If effective action is not taken against terrorists, just as in Afghanistan, the United States will intervene.

Lastly and raising much controversy, a first strike option is reserved, freeing the American military and intelligence to act first before any terrorist strike.

It's a reversal from over a decade of reactive responses to terrorist acts like the attack on the USS Cole in yemen and the African embassy bombings.

Essentially the US now says it will not wait for the attack to happen before it acts.

It will strike first and remove the threat.