A multitude of factors contributed to us not turning Saddam inside out but I know for a fact this earlier legislation was one of the factors. In fact, this legislation was again brought up after 9/11 and the US stated that if a chance to assassinate BinLaden presented itself, the US would jump at the opportunity because BinLaden does not represent a country..... he represents an idea supported by a fanatical group of people. As a matter of fact, Saddam was always brought up in these conversations when people wanted to know why we didn't assassinate him during Desert Storm in '91 but wouldn't hesitate to take out BinLaden. BinLaden represents no country and is not the leader of a country.
alot had to do with the dirty trick that the cia have done, which included the assignation of the veit nam someone, which help get us in to the war. that is why carter made that passage of killing.
but i am with you on this. we need to take the f***er out.