Indeed, French President Francois Mitterrand said yesterday that some allied forces are crossing Iraqi territory as part of a " pincer " movement to trap the soldiers occupying Kuwait, but insisted, " The purpose is n't to invade Iraqi territory, that's not the aim, that is n't the mandate. " Nevertheless, American officials over the weekend became more open in declaring that by destroying Saddam Hussein's military machine they (hope) to destroy his regime -- a goal likely to be supported by most Americans.  
 Verb: hope
Yes