Lots of press for Paul O'Neill, President Bush's former Treasury Secretary, who's peddling his new book. Good luck to him.
However, I think some of the news outlets are letting their passion get in the way of their judgment. First of all, O'Neill was fired, which can often leave someone disgruntled. James Arnold at the BBC seems to realize this.
Second, regime change was US policy after the passage of the Iraq Liberation Act in 1998. At least one attempted coup against Saddam was supported by the US in the 1990s.
Given it was US policy that a new government was needed in Iraq, I don't find it surprising at all that the President talked about putting this policy into effect prior to September 11. Presidents are always asking for plans, etc. Why would President Bush NOT have asked his defense subordinates to have plans prepared? Having a plan ready is not the same thing as implementing the plan.
