Bush gambles political future and place in history

US PRESIDENT George W Bush has staked his political future — and his place in history — on the outcome of war with Iraq.

He is the first US leader to openly champion the controversial policy of a pre-emptive strike.

The son of the last president to lead the country against Saddam Hussein has been unwavering in his determination to finish the job, despite a lack of firm evidence that Saddam poses a direct threat to the US.