Sources say Bush has discussed options with U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf region and is likely to issue an ultimatum to Saddam, perhaps as early as this week. If he refuses to allow the United Nations to use its helicopters by the stated deadline (something like 48 hours), Bush is leaning toward using military force–again, with U.N backing. Sources say Bush is contemplating very limited action. “[Enough] to enforce United Nations inspection rights,” said a source. “Nothing more than that-unless Saddam is dumb enough to resist. If he does that, all bets are off.”
