In the early nineties, we retaliated when Hussein invaded and occupied an ally.
Within months, Hussein, scared for his power, agreed to and signed a treaty with us....and in return, we agreed to leave Iraq and let him run his country.
As the years passed, Hussein opted to no longer follow the terms of the treaty.
In an effort to ensure he follows through with his end of the treaty, we warned him...over and over....that he is to adhere to the terms he agreed to or suffer the consequences of our attacking his regime and removing him from power.
He dared us to...
So we did.