Secretary of State Colin Powell says “regime change” is necessary in Iraq and the United States “might have to do it alone.”

MAY 2002

Visiting Europe, Bush tries to calm worries among allies. “I have no war plans on my desk,” he says.

JUNE 1, 2002

Bush tells West Point graduates U.S. will strike pre-emptively against suspected terrorists or governments that help them if that is necessary to protect Americans.

JULY 2002

U.N. talks with Iraq in Vienna fail to reach agreement. Senate Foreign Relations Committee opens hearings on Iraq.

AUGUST 2002

Iraq first invites U.N. chief weapons inspector Hans Blix to Baghdad. Bush pledges to consult with Congress and allies before acting. He promises to “explore all options and all tools at my disposal; diplomacy, international pressure, perhaps the military” but maintains that regime change is necessary in Iraq.

SEPTEMBER 2002

Bush meets with British Prime Minister Tony Blair at Camp David. Then, a day after the one-year anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, Bush challenges the U.N. to confront the “grave and gathering danger” of Iraq—or allow the U.S. to do so. Bush asks Congress for authority to “use all means,” including military force if necessary, to disarm and overthrow Saddam if he does not comply with U.N. demands.

OCTOBER 2002

Saddam wins another seven-year term as president, capturing 100 percent of votes in national “referendum.” In national address, Bush calls Saddam a “murderous tyrant” and says he must disarm Iraq or face a U.S.-led coalition to remove him from power. House of Representatives votes 296-133 and Senate votes 77-23 authorizing Bush to use military force if necessary against Iraq.

NOVEMBER 2002

U.N. Security Council unanimously adopts a resolution requiring return of inspectors and threatening “serious consequences” for Iraq if it fails to cooperate. Iraq accepts the U.N. resolution, and weapons inspections begin. Russian President Vladimir Putin warns the U.S. not to go it alone against Iraq.