The administration's notions of prevention and preemption are part of
what has led to this conflict. Apologists will be quick to
say that the US has _not_ preempted in Iraq, but rather we have
"prevented" Iraq from attaining nefarious goals. Prevention is PR
mumbo-jumbo for "preemption on steroids", and based on this notion we
have invaded and engaged a sovereign nation in an unprovoked attack. In
fact, that is the essence of this so-called prevention, to attack your
supposed enemies before they even become a credible threat, and it is a
recipe for global domination. I think that we should call it "vicious
preemption" or "cruel preemption". Bellicose, bloodthirsty, etc, take
your pick, and get ready, because it is a recipe for perpetual
war and an endless cycle of violence.