"The United States prefers that Iraq meet its obligations voluntarily, yet we are prepared for the alternative"

This quote by George W. Bush is describing Iraq's responsibilities to the United Nations. The United States is wishing that Iraq will follow the UN's demands without the requirement for any kind of additional activity. Nonetheless, the United States is prepared to take alternative procedures if Iraq does not satisfy its responsibilities. This could include financial sanctions, military action, or various other forms of stress. The United States is making it clear that it will certainly not tolerate Iraq's refusal to adhere to the UN's needs and wants to take whatever actions are needed to make sure that Iraq meets its commitments.