What was the environment that led President Bush to make war on the Iraqi government?
1991 - Post "Desert Storm"
UN’s Oil for Food program was corrupt and well known within governmental intelligence organizations
Illegal arms and military technology sales to Iraq by France, Germany, Russia, China and North Korea
UN mandated destruction of Iraqi chemical, biological, nuclear and long range missile programs
UN verification process begins
Enforcement of northern and southern no-fly zones in Iraq
1998 “regime change” authorization signed as law by President Bill Clinton
9/11
2001 – 2003
In his 2003 State of the Union address, Bush stated: “Some have said we must not act until the threat is imminent. Since when have terrorists and tyrants announced their intentions, politely putting us on notice before they strike? If this threat is permitted to fully and suddenly emerge, all actions, all words and all recriminations will come too late. Trusting in the sanity and restraint of Saddam Hussein is not a strategy, and it is not an option.”
Invasion of Iraq as part of the greater War on Terror
Introduction of a more moderate based democracy in the Middle East
Iraqi brutality and genocide on its own people
Iraq’s history of invasion and war with other countries
Iraq’s 12-year violation of the gulf war cease-fire (not surrender or a truce)
Escalation of terrorism by Islamic fanatics
Iraq’s ties to al-Qaeda
Iraq monetary and training support of terrorism
A long history of Iraq's violations of numerous UN resolutions (at least 17)
Worldwide intelligence confirms Iraq possession of weapons of mass destruction
Iraq refuses to allow UN verification program unfettered access.
Iraq's disarmament was supported by a majority of Congress, who passed the Joint Resolution to Authorize the Use of United States Armed Forces Against Iraq on the 11 October 2002.
In March 2003, about 40 nations announce the “Coalition of the Willing” to weigh military options and plans.
March 20, 2003 “Operation Iraqi Freedom” begins.
Monday morning quarterbacking is just as boring as office bitching. Neither accomplish anything good.
