Editor's note: This is a reprint of an editorial that ran Jan. 23, 2003.

There is no more sobering debate in a democracy than whether to go to war. As teachers of politics and international relations, our careers are dedicated to studying national security, the rule of law in international affairs, and the causes and consequences of war. Unlike a country that is invaded and must respond quickly, the decision to invade Iraq is one that can accommodate a full discussion of U.S. national interests and the principles that we seek to follow.

Virtually everyone recognizes that Saddam Hussein is a tyrant responsible for monstrous atrocities and that Iraq has ignored a number of U.N. resolutions. We also realize that the threat of invasion may produce the removal of Saddam, and we would welcome that result.

The question before the American people, however, is whether it is in our interest as a nation, and consistent with our longstanding principles, to now invade Iraq. It is our judgment that it is not in our interest to do so. We can win the battle with Iraq, but we cannot win all the conflicts that will follow.

Consider the following points: The United States is currently involved in a difficult and crucial war against terrorism. Al-Qaida poses a greater threat to the United States than does Iraq, and the scope of this conflict is worldwide. Military wisdom argues against opening a second front until the first front is secured unless the provocation is overwhelming.

All wars result in unintended consequences. The proposed attack on Iraq, which many of our friends and allies oppose, combined with the current instability of regimes in the Islamic world, greatly increases the possibility of severe and wide-ranging consequences. In attacking Iraq to make the United States secure, we may in fact heighten our insecurity and the insecurity of countless citizens of other states.

If Saddam is overthrown, what happens next in Iraq? Successful military occupations are very rare. Those that worked have in common the belief among the conquered that their way was wrong and the conqueror's ways are right.

Because many Iraqis hate Saddam, many will indeed welcome his removal. But hating Saddam does not mean they will welcome our occupying forces. If our forces are seen as illegitimate, they become targets of terrorism for years to come. Under these circumstances, how long are we willing to occupy Iraq?