Stardate 20021124.1142

(On Screen): Every time my pulse rate gets too low, all I have to do is read about the latest speech made by Chirac. Sends it right up again, let me tell you.

In Paris, French President Jacques Chirac said the U.N. inspections were essential to clear up any doubt over whether Saddam was still harboring weapons of mass destruction.

He told a news conference war would be in no one's interest.

"I hope that everyone is aware that war is always the worst of solutions, and that it is in nobody's interest," he said.

Except, of course, for the people of Iraq. If there is no war, Saddam will remain in power and that is surely in nobody's interest – except for France and Russia, who stand to make a lot of money if they can defend him.

I used to think that the fact that Gaul and gall were homonyms was a coincidence.