The script originally called for Kodos and Kang to look over the smoking ruins of Springfield and say: "This sure is a lot like Iraq will be." The Fox network did not have any objection to the line, but it was rejected by some of the writers as too obvious and was cut from the broadcast.
The script included Kodos and Kang examining the burned-out ruins of Springfield and commenting, "This is very much like how Iraq will be." The Fox network accepted the line but some writers deemed it too transparent and removed it from the airing.