Still time for Iraq

As in the last fateful hours before the Gulf War began, there is now a brief period when Saddam Hussein can turn away from military confrontation with the United States. By skillfully mixing diplomacy with the threat of force, Bill Clinton is giving the Iraqi leader a last chance to avert a punishing air assault that few Americans are eager to conduct but that most will support. Mr. Clinton should exhaust the diplomatic options before he orders military action to commence. But diplomacy cannot be a code word for indulging Saddam's defiance.

Saddam should understand that America is not spoiling for a fight, but is united in its belief that Iraq must not be allowed to maintain an arsenal of chemical and biological weapons. There is still time to avoid a clash. Both Bill Clinton and Saddam Hussein should make the most of it.

-- The New York Times