SADDAM HUSSEIN MISCALCULATED

because he assumed that George Bush was just another weak and full of it American President like Bill Clinton.  If you've followed this closely you'll remember that Bill Clinton insisted that Saddam Hussein had to be removed from power.  But that was all phony bluster for domestic consumption, and Clinton backed up his promise with, well, most nothing.  A few bombs in the night and .. nothing.  So Saddam rightly assumed that American Presidents were not to be taken seriously.  George Bush the First had the power to take off Saddam's head, and when the opportunity showed itself, Bush I wilted.  Bill Clinton promised to take off his head, and again nothing.  America had established a powerful reputation not following through and not going for the jugular.  You would have expected the man not to have taken George Bush the Second seriously.