Thursday, September 16, 2004
"W" Is Not For WMD
- "Intelligence gathered by this and other governments leaves no doubt that the Iraq regime continues to possess and conceal some of the most lethal weapons ever devised." -March 17, 2003
"It [Iraq] possesses and produces chemical and biological weapons. It is seeking nuclear weapons." -October 7, 2002
"See, the world has recognized -- many members of NATO have recognized that a Saddam Hussein and Iraq which possesses weapons of mass destruction is dangerous. Imagine a Saddam Hussein with a nuclear weapon." -November 20, 2002
"The danger posed by Saddam Hussein and his weapons cannot be ignored or wished away. The danger must be confronted." -February 26, 2003
"Saddam Hussein has a long history of reckless aggression and terrible crimes. He possesses weapons of terror. He provides funding and training and safe haven to terrorists -- terrorists who would willingly use weapons of mass destruction against America and other peace-loving countries. Saddam Hussein and his weapons are a direct threat to this country, to our people, and to all free people." -March 6, 2003
"Saddam Hussein has a long history of reckless aggression and terrible crimes. He possesses weapons of terror." -March 8, 2003
"We know from prior weapons inspections that Saddam has failed to account for vast quantities of biological and chemical agents, including mustard agent, botulinum toxin and sarin, capable of killing millions of people." -March 15, 2003
Now this.
- Drafts of a report from the top U.S. inspector in Iraq conclude there were no weapons stockpiles, but say there are signs the fallen Iraqi President Saddam Hussein had dormant programs he hoped to revive at a later time, according to people familiar with the findings.
.....
As Duelfer puts the finishing touches on his report, he concludes Saddam had intentions of restarting weapons programs at some point, after suspicion and inspections from the international community waned.
After a year and a half in Iraq, however, the United States has found no weapons of mass destruction — its chief argument for overthrowing the regime.
In other words, sactions were working, there was no imminent threat, and we were wrong.
Somedays the blog writes itself.
