Fine, if you don't want to use the term "pre-emptive" now, then nor is the current proposed action against Saddam Hussein "pre-emptive." He has been sabre rattling the destruction of Israel and anschluss of Kuwait for years, and still do. He tried to assassinate Bush Sr. He is in clear violation of the ceasefire conditions of Gulf War 1991. So technically, attacking him now would just be continuation of Gulf War 1991; no preemptiveness necessary.