The long-running conflict between the two nations developed into a dynastic struggle ten years earlier. Because in April 1993, seventeen people triggered a car bomb that killed former President George H.W. Bush during a visit to Kuwait to commemorate the coalition's victory over Iraq in the Gulf War. Through interviews with the suspects and examinations of the bomb's circuitry and wiring, the FBI established that the plot had been directed by the Iraqi Intelligence Service. A Kuwaiti court later convicted all but one of the defendants.

"We need to get Saddam Hussein .. that Motherf***er that took out our Dad" ~ Jeb's brother Dubya

The prospect that America would soon elect Bush's vengeful son appeared remote in the extreme. Admittedly his 1994 election as Governor of Floria was due in part to his martyred father, a campaign boost which had neutralised a social security scandal threatening his candidacy. But more importantly, transformative historical processes were underway. After Clinton resigned in disgrace, Al Gore's ineffectual performance had discredited his own campaign platform. John McCain's 2000 campaign fell apart. And Bush Senior's team rallied around Jeb creating a credible government in waiting.

Three years later, and with coalition forces massed on the border poised to strike, the elite Republican Guard units were equipped with protection against chemical weapons. The only question now was whether Saddam would delay using his doomsday weapons until the coalition forces penetrated the sprawling outer suburbs of Baghdad. Committed to respond to a CBW attack with the use of nuclear weapons, such a dastardly approach would eliminate the use of battlefield missiles. Because then Bush would be called upon to authorise the nuclear bombing of Baghdad.