Send in the U-2 planes

The U-2 spy plane is nearly invisible at its cruising altitude of 70,000 feet. It has multi-sensor photo, electro-optic, infrared and radar imagery capabilities. It can broadcast the pictures it takes in real time to practically anywhere in the world. \nThese planes would be a valuable resource in finding out what kind of chemical or nuclear weapons Iraq might be hiding from the U.N. inspectors. Last week, Iraqi officials agreed to let the U.S. fly their U-2 planes over the country to collect information. The Iraqis are giving the green light to their sworn enemies to use their top-of-the-line spy technology to investigate their territories. \nBut President Bush isn't having it. According to an article in The Boston Globe, Bush "scoffed" at Iraq's offer to let the planes enter their air space, among other concessions. "Saddam Hussein has to disarm. If he doesn't, we will disarm him," Bush said in the article. "This is a man who is trying to stall for time. The reason we need to fly U-2 flights is they're not disarming."\nIt is obvious that Bush wants to go to war, but let's at least get some evidence that Iraq has these chemical and nuclear weapons we are all afraid of before we jump in with both feet. Yes, Saddam has been less than forthcoming with information about his arsenal. It is his secrecy that is driving fear into the hearts of Americans and giving Bush a good platform to start making a case for military involvement. \nThis gesture, while it may be long overdue, is a step in the direction of peace. Letting the spy planes fly over Iraq could make our choice to start a war more clear. We might find something we missed, or we might find nothing at all. In order to do this, however, there has to be extreme cooperation on the parts of both the Iraqis and the Americans. Since Iraq would have to shut down its air defense system while the overflight occurs, they are insisting the U.S. and British aircraft not enter the no-fly zone during the flight. This puts everyone in a vulnerable position, but also presents before all an interesting test. If Iraq can pass without showing any signs of hostility, maybe we will have all the information we need to keep from getting the military involved.\nAt least the Iraqis are attempting to negotiate and, as The Boston Globe stated, "working hard to avoid war." Bush needs to give the go-ahead to this mission. It might prevent a terrible mistake that would add to an already frightening death toll.\n-- Amy Orringer for the Editorial Board