STORM2K

NBC News has learned U.S. President George Bush is preparing an ultimatum for Iraqi President Saddam Hussein — disarm in short order or face military action. The president is to deliver the speech after a U.N. Security Council vote, expected Thursday, on a resolution that would authorize military action. But the administration no longer sees much hope for the measure to pass and will extend the window for a political solution to the Iraqi crisis only by a matter of days or weeks.

BUSH WILL demand complete compliance with all U.N. resolutions, administration sources said. There has been talk of a timetable that would extend beyond the March 17 date that had been discussed. But the extension is likely to be short — perhaps as short as seven to 10 days. Sources say the remarks issuing that ultimatum are now being drafted.
What’s driving the White House endgame from the president’s perspective is the growing realization that the war resolution will not pass. Bush administration officials are now accepting that the resolution will be vetoed by France