Americans possess a profound love of peace, freedom and liberty. The tragic attacks of September 11, 2001 demonstrated the will of misguided, vengeful and cowardly leaders who represent the exact opposite of our American values. Dictator Saddam Hussein has proven himself to be one of these leaders. Hussein harbors terrorists, invokes chemical warfare upon his own people and openly defies the United Nations (UN) Security Council. We know that when it comes to the United States, Hussein has a very prolific partner-in-hate: Al Qaeda.

September 11 changed the way we view hostile nations. In October, I voted to support a resolution which deals with one of those uniquely hostile nations, Iraq. Contrary to what many think, the resolution does not call for war in Iraq. Rather, force is authorized only under two circumstances: 1) in order to defend the national security of the United States against a threat by Iraq; and 2) to enforce the United Nations Security Council resolutions related to Iraq. Force by the United States is a last resort, and my vote was cast with the understanding that the United States would work to form an international coalition to deal with Iraq through a United Nations resolution. Through a collaborative effort with our colleagues around the world, the United States has reached that goal.

Last week, Saddam Hussein heard the united voice of an international coalition amassed by the United States. The UN Security Council sent Hussein a powerful, unambiguous message: voting 15-0 to pass a stringent Iraq arms inspection and disarmament resolution. The final resolution voted on was negotiated by the United States with the world's leaders, and mirrors the proposed draft resolution submitted by the United States. Success with the world body was achieved due to the efforts of the United States and our Secretary of State, Colin Powell, and he should be commended. The unanimous vote reinforced and validated sentiments outlined by the United States.

The UN resolution acknowledges the threat that "Iraq's noncompliance with UN Security Council resolutions and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and long-range missiles, poses to international peace and security." The resolution gives Iraq a final opportunity to disarm and warns that noncompliance will bring "serious consequences." Moreover, it is significant that the resolution does not prohibit any nation from taking action on its own if necessary, and recognizes that in fact, nations have been authorized to uphold resolutions by necessary means.

Leaders worldwide agree that Hussein is a threat, and must accept the terms of the resolution. Russia has called upon Baghdad "to exercise self-control and pragmatism;" France's foreign minister stated, "force will be used" if Iraq does not cooperate; and UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan urged Iraq "to seize this opportunity and thereby begin to end the isolation and suffering of the Iraqi people."

Iraq's parliament recommended rejection of the resolution. However, it must have resonated with Hussein that his eldest son, Odai Saddam Hussein, urged approval of the resolution, since on Nov. 13 Saddam Hussein accepted the resolution. He should heed the urging of the United States and the international community and allow unconditional weapons inspections.

The world recognizes that disarming Iraq is necessary to international stability. It is critical to our safety and security. As Americans, we value peace, and we believe force should be the last resort. Now that Iraq has accepted the UN resolution, we are all hoping that Saddam Hussein chooses to keep peace intact and that inspections will resume without interference.