It all stems from UN Security Resolution 687 in 1991

Almost two years ago, a coalition of willing countries (led by the USA and UK) invaded Iraq for non-compliance with Resolution 687 from the UN Security Council (and other resolutions confirming the original resolution). Highlights and commentary below:

Clause 8
Decides that Iraq shall unconditionally accept the destruction, removal, or rendering harmless, under international supervision, of:

(a) All chemical and biological weapons and all stocks of agents and all related subsystems and components and all research, development, support and manufacturing facilities;

(b) All ballistic missiles with a range greater than 150 kilometres and related major parts, and repair and production facilities;

Clause 12
Decides that Iraq shall unconditionally agree not to acquire or develop nuclear weapons or nuclear-weapons-usable material or any subsystems or components
end

Yes, the intelligence was flawed - but Iraq never allowed inspectors to verify once and for all that they had complied with the biological, nuclear and chemical parts of the resolution. But we do know that Saddam had developed missiles capable of a range greater than 150kms - he admitted as much and had them destroyed in a bid to placate the US and UK. So it is reasonable to think that Saddam would have built biological, nuclear or chemical weapons if he had the chance.

Clause 20
Decides, effective immediately, that the prohibitions against the sale or supply to Iraq of commodities or products, other than medicine and health supplies, and prohibitions against financial transactions related thereto contained in resolution 661 (1990) shall not apply to foodstuffs [and] to materials and supplies for essential civilian needs as identified in the report of the Secretary-General dated 20 March 1991, and in any further findings of humanitarian need by the Committee;
end

Saddam used to brag about beating this one. While he lived a life of luxury he let his people starve and die of diseases that were easily treatable. The only way he could keep the population from rising up against him was to either flee or to brutally suspress the population - no surprises about which one he chose.

Clause 32
Requires Iraq to inform the Security Council that it will not commit or support any act of international terrorism or allow any organization directed towards commission of such acts to operate within its territory and to condemn unequivocally and renounce all acts, methods and practices of terrorism;
end

Saddam paid money to the families of Palestinian suicide bombers who killed innocents in Israel. He sure broke this part of the resolution.


So there you have it - Saddam broke UN 687 for 12 years while the UN sat on its hands and did nothing. When the US and UK finally decided to take action, the UN complained and asked for more talk - which had never resolved anything.

One other complaint the anti-war movement makes is that Saddam was supported by the west in the 80's. This was a delibrate attempt to stop Fundamentalist Islam from taking over more countries in the Mid-east - it was never an endorsement of Saddam.