Saddam's consistent denial (for 10 years) to let uN inspectors visit freely is enough to strongly believe he had "supposed" WMD. Of course, future coordination between saddam and bin-laden was a prediction. Given their common hatred towards american interest (not to mention saddam's and bin laden's religion), I believe it is a good and robust prediction. Yes, the preemptive strike was a gamble, worth taking the risk instead of being like a sitting duck for another 9/11 or even worse attack. Your points about other high profile people, about some of whom I may not have any knowledge, have been noted. About sympathy towards Israel cause, there is no doubt.