Lonewolf
I think we are divided by a common language to the point that we will never really understand what the other is saying. There's a useful lesson there.
As for:
"As to any advantage Saddam's uncertainty provided, that didn't seem to work, now did it?"
That demonstrates the weakness of trying to bluff your opponent when you don't have a hand. If he knows you can and will respond in kind, he will be deterred.