Just on the subject of allies, for a second:
When it comes to Canada's position, don't believe everything you see in the media. I know some months back there was a bit of a pissin' match between the Bush government and some idiot Canadian back-benchers, from parliament. A lot of name calling and other childish horse crap! Our Prime Minister at the time, Jean Cretien, made the statement that we would support the UN decision. Ok, fine.
The simple fact of the matter is, Canada couldn't go even if we wanted to. I don't know if you're aware of the military situation in this country, but it's desperate! What few troops we do have are currently spread between Afghanistan, the Balkans (although they're due to come home), and here, and it's a fact that I and many, many Canadians find both intolerable and embarassing!