Many even of those keenest to see the back of Mr Hussein are asking for more evidence that he poses a real threat, and for any military action to be endorsed by the UN.

ECONOMIST: Saddam's latest gambit | The

"The European Union ceased to exist", complained a Belgian paper, after the EU summit in Ghent 10 days ago showed that only Europe's militarily powerful states, Britain, France and Germany, had a real say in decisions about the military action in Afghanistan.

BBC: EU sidelined by US

Does that mean that if that changed, and if Russia and China came around on this, that, therefore, military action would be a real possibility?

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing by Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest

Romney's record of reckless rhetoric stands in sharp contrast with Obama's successful foreign policy and national security strategy -- one that doesn't rely solely on strong military action but smartly invests in diplomacy and development and focuses on real threats instead of political convenience.

CNN: Romney's reckless rhetoric