"if they are a threat, the answer is yes. If we find out they are about to mount an offensive against us then yes."
Threat to who? You speak of Iraq's threat to its own people; certainly the same applies for North Korea, Cuba, China and then some. And since when is Iraq mounting an offensive against the US? North Korea is far more capable and willing at this point.
I'm sure the Crusaders also thought their barbaric actions would get them into the pearly gates.