pre-emptive attack
spoiling attack

"The general feeling is that there is a pre-emptive attack coming."

We should never imagine that having the option of a pre-emptive attack will make things simple.

For these reasons, the possibility of an Iraqi pre-emptive attack cannot simply be dismissed.

"We part ways with the president, however, on the issue of pre-emptive military attack against Iraq."

That is not sufficient justification for launching a pre-emptive attack on Iraq.

The difference at the moment is that we do not share the Bush Administration's doctrine of pre-emptive attack.

White House officials in recent days have sought to suggest that the option of a pre-emptive attack should be taken seriously.

If we create weapons, the possibility of a pre-emptive attack against Earth will dominate every thought.

From Washington came polished performances in a pre-emptive attack on public opinion.

These were to include the possibility of launching a pre-emptive nuclear attack against the planet.