The need for normative clarity in this situation is profound. To effectively carry on their war against global terrorism, the United States and its allies require the unwavering support of the global community. Members of that community are far less likely to provide such support to States that seem overly creative in the application of legal norms, than ones that present the image of strictly adhering to the rule of law in international affairs. Thus, while force may well be justified against Iraq at some point, it should only be applied while standing on legal terra firma.