That would explain recent calls for containing Iraq even as the war planning intensifies.

Most other members of the international coalition that has worked together containing Iraq for the past four years support those demands.

"Through constant confrontation, our policy of containing Iraq has been successful," he said.

American military bases remained there until 2003, as part of an international commitment to contain Iraq.

That's how he kept his word to contain Iraq.

Nor, he adds, "was there ever a significant discussion" about the possibility of containing Iraq without an invasion.

Left to themselves they will contain Iraq as a chicken contains a fox.

While containing Iraq was a central focus, these troops also served many other purposes.

Trying to contain both Iran and Iraq can't last.

And it requires permanent military arrangements to contain Iraq within internationally recognized borders.