Some in the European community are wise. Others are still wearing blinders.

But sometime next week, light will be shed that will give proof many are seeking.

Where's Iraq's weapons?

It sounds like a game show. Instead of Bob Barker making the contestant find which tennis ball is under the shell, Saddam Hussein has been shifting nukes around to different bunkers, houses and ice cream trucks.

In short, he's grasping at any chance to hide what he shouldn't have in the first place.

In short, he's running out of time.

And it appears Saddam's only parting gift will be a complete fireworks display in his backyard, courtesy of the United States, Great Britain and whoever is smart enough to hop on the bandwagon.

According to overseas television and newspaper reports, European reaction is slowly going from against going to war to mixed feelings -- which is a big shift, seeing there hasn't been much physical proof shown to the public on Iraq's weapons.

Here's the score: It looks like we're going to have to invade Iraq and remove Saddam from power. Although I don't think the United States should always be the world's babysitter, no one else besides Britain is taking a leadership role in this situation. So, yes, we're making the right move in preparing for what is turning out to be the inevitable.

The argument from France and Germany that more proof is needed before invading Iraq may have had some substance in the beginning. But their excuse is increasingly growing tiresome, especially since the United Nations has said it's not getting any cooperation from Iraq, either.

Big surprise there.

Once Secretary of State Colin Powell shows the U.N. Security Council proof that Iraq is indeed storing weapons of mass destruction, we're hoping Saddam get the hint and agrees to leave his country and go into exile. If not, he's going to have a pretty big light show to contend with.

A letter to the editor that recently appeared in The Times, a London-based newspaper, should speak volumes. It was written by Sir Martin Garrod and said:

"Some of … our European allies should remember that they owe their security and comfortable lifestyle to the U.S. For, without the military might and the determination of the U.S, they would now be living under a Nazi or a Stalinist regime."

How soon others forget.

Dan Fields can be reached at 434-2230 or by e-mail at :mailto:dan.fields@austindailyherald.com