Leaving Saddam Hussein in possession of weapons of mass destruction for a few more months or years is not an option, not in a post-September 11th world. The United States will not and cannot run that risk to the American people.

We must not shrink from whatever is ahead of us. We must not fail in our duty and our responsibility to the citizens of the countries that are represented by this body.

(Source: Colin Powell's presentation speech to the Security Council, 02/03/03)