The Bush Administration Was "ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN" That Saddam Hussein Had WMDs

[Avatar4321]

Saddam was absolutely certain he had WMDS too.

 

[Oldstyle]

And you ducked my question! Do you think that Hans Blix would have ever found the Libyan atom bomb development site that was hidden out in the desert if he'd been sent to Tripoli to look for it? The truth is...when Khadafi got scared by what happened in Iraq and turned his own nuclear program over...nobody knew about that desert site. So why is it so implausible that Khadafi was able to hide something like that and Saddam wasn't?

 

[CMike]

Hussein's continued violation of UN resolutions.

State: Fact sheet on Saddam's defiance of UN resolutions - 3-20-03

FACT SHEET ON SADDAM'S DEFIANCE
OF UN RESOLUTIONS

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

March 20, 2003



Saddam Hussein's Defiance of UNSCRs

Over the past 12 years, Iraq has violated more than seventeen United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs) and remains in material breach of disarmament obligations. The Iraqi regime has also sought to circumvent economic sanctions. The UNSCRs required that Iraq declare and divest itself, under international supervision, of weapons of mass destruction and related programs, delivery systems and ballistic missiles with a range greater than 150 kilometers; not commit acts of international terrorism, or allow others who commit such acts to operate in Iraqi territory; account for missing Kuwaitis and other individuals; return stolen Kuwaiti property and bear financial liability for damage from the Gulf War; and end repression of the Iraqi people.

Saddam Hussein is in violation of the following United Nations Security Council Resolutions:

UNSCR 1441 - November 8, 2002

-- Found that Iraq has been and remains in material breach of its disarmament obligations.

-- Gave Iraq a final opportunity to comply.

-- Demanded that Iraq submit a currently accurate, full and complete declaration of its weapons of mass destruction and related programs within 30 days.

-- Demanded that Iraq cooperate immediately, unconditionally and actively with the UN inspections.

-- Decided that false statements or omissions in Iraq's declarations and failure by Iraq at any time to comply with and cooperate fully in the implementation of this resolution would constitute further material breach.

-- Recalls that the Security Council has repeatedly warned Iraq that it will face serious consequences as a result of its continued violations.

UNSCR 1284 - December 17, 1999

-- Created the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspections Commission (UNMOVIC) to replace previous weapon inspection team (UNSCOM).

-- Iraq must allow UNMOVIC "immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access" to Iraqi officials and facilities. Iraq must fulfill its commitment to return Gulf War prisoners.

-- Calls on Iraq to distribute humanitarian goods and medical supplies to its people and address the needs of vulnerable Iraqis without discrimination.

UNSCR 1205 - November 5, 1998

-- "Condemns the decision by Iraq of 31 October 1998 to cease cooperation" with UN inspectors as "a flagrant violation" of UNSCR 687 and other resolutions.

-- Iraq must provide "immediate, complete and unconditional cooperation" with UN and IAEA inspectors.

UNSCR 1194 - September 9, 1998

-- "Condemns the decision by Iraq of 5 August 1998 to suspend cooperation with" UN and IAEA inspectors, which constitutes "a totally unacceptable contravention" of its obligations under UNSCR 687, 707, 715, 1060, 1115, and 1154.

-- Iraq must cooperate fully with UN and IAEA weapons inspectors, and allow immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access.

UNSCR 1154 - March 2, 1998

-- Iraq must cooperate fully with UN and IAEA weapons inspectors and allow immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access, and notes that any violation would have the "severest consequences for Iraq."

UNSCR 1137 - November 12, 1997

-- "Condemns the continued violations by Iraq" of previous UN resolutions, including its "implicit threat to the safety of" aircraft operated by UN inspectors and its tampering with UN inspector monitoring equipment.

-- Reaffirms Iraq's responsibility to ensure the safety of UN inspectors.

-- Iraq must cooperate fully with UN weapons inspectors and allow immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access.

UNSCR 1134 - October 23, 1997

-- "Condemns repeated refusal of Iraqi authorities to allow access" to UN inspectors, which constitutes a "flagrant violation" of UNSCR 687, 707, 715, and 1060.

-- Iraq must cooperate fully with UN weapons inspectors and allow immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access.

-- Iraq must give immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access to Iraqi officials whom UN inspectors want to interview.

UNSCR 1115 - June 21, 1997

-- "Condemns repeated refusal of Iraqi authorities to allow access" to UN inspectors, which constitutes a "clear and flagrant violation" of UNSCR 687, 707, 715, and 1060.

-- Iraq must cooperate fully with UN weapons inspectors and allow immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access.

-- Iraq must give immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access to Iraqi officials whom UN inspectors want to interview.

UNSCR 1060 - June 12, 1996

-- "Deplores" Iraq's refusal to allow access to UN inspectors and Iraq's "clear violations" of previous UN resolutions.

-- Iraq must cooperate fully with UN weapons inspectors and allow immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access.

UNSCR 1051 - March 27, 1996

-- Iraq must report shipments of dual-use items related to weapons of mass destruction to the UN and IAEA.

-- Iraq must cooperate fully with UN and IAEA inspectors and allow immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access.

UNSCR 949 - October 15, 1994

-- "Condemns" Iraq's recent military deployments toward Kuwait.

-- Iraq must not utilize its military or other forces in a hostile manner to threaten its neighbors or UN operations in Iraq.

-- Iraq must cooperate fully with UN weapons inspectors.

-- Iraq must not enhance its military capability in southern Iraq. UNSCR 715 - October 11, 1991

-- Iraq must cooperate fully with UN and IAEA inspectors

UNSCR 707 - August 15, 1991

-- "Condemns" Iraq's "serious violation" of UNSCR 687.

-- "Further condemns" Iraq's noncompliance with IAEA and its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

-- Iraq must halt nuclear activities of all kinds until the Security Council deems Iraq in full compliance.

-- Iraq must make a full, final and complete disclosure of all aspects of its weapons of mass destruction and missile programs.

-- Iraq must allow UN and IAEA inspectors immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access.

-- Iraq must cease attempts to conceal or move weapons of mass destruction, and related materials and facilities.

-- Iraq must allow UN and IAEA inspectors to conduct inspection flights throughout Iraq.

-- Iraq must provide transportation, medical and logistical support for UN and IAEA inspectors.

UNSCR 688 - April 5, 1991

-- "Condemns" repression of Iraqi civilian population, "the consequences of which threaten international peace and security."

-- Iraq must immediately end repression of its civilian population.

-- Iraq must allow immediate access to international humanitarian organizations to those in need of assistance.

UNSCR 687 - April 3, 1991

-- Iraq must "unconditionally accept" the destruction, removal or rendering harmless "under international supervision" of all "chemical and biological weapons and all stocks of agents and all related subsystems and components and all research, development, support and manufacturing facilities."

-- Iraq must "unconditionally agree not to acquire or develop nuclear weapons or nuclear-weapons-usable material" or any research, development or manufacturing facilities.

-- Iraq must "unconditionally accept" the destruction, removal or rendering harmless "under international supervision" of all "ballistic missiles with a range greater than 150 KM and related major parts and repair and production facilities."

-- Iraq must not "use, develop, construct or acquire" any weapons of mass destruction.

-- Iraq must reaffirm its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

-- Creates the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) to verify the elimination of Iraq's chemical and biological weapons programs and mandated that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) verify elimination of Iraq's nuclear weapons program.

-- Iraq must declare fully its weapons of mass destruction programs.

-- Iraq must not commit or support terrorism, or allow terrorist organizations to operate in Iraq.

-- Iraq must cooperate in accounting for the missing and dead Kuwaitis and others.

-- Iraq must return Kuwaiti property seized during the Gulf War.

UNSCR 686 - March 2, 1991

-- Iraq must release prisoners detained during the Gulf War.

-- Iraq must return Kuwaiti property seized during the Gulf War.

-- Iraq must accept liability under international law for damages from its illegal invasion of Kuwait.

UNSCR 678 - November 29, 1990

-- Iraq must comply fully with UNSCR 660 (regarding Iraq's illegal invasion of Kuwait) "and all subsequent relevant resolutions."

-- Authorizes UN Member States "to use all necessary means to uphold and implement resolution 660 and all subsequent relevant resolutions and to restore international peace and security in the area."

 

[Nika2013]

Who said what and when does not matter. It was all a ruse to get to the oil and had zero to do with WMD's. Bush Sr. company, Carlyle made more money than most in the second war against Iraq....and Cheney's company, Halliburton most likely made more. Add this to what was going on in Afghanistan after the Taliban refused to negotiate for an oil pipeline through the country from the Caspian Sea and the big picture becomes more clear. Iran was the piece that did not fit in the big picture as it blocked a route from the Caspian to the Gulf ports. That...was what the hoopla was about in going after Iran ...and still is. What most people do not realize is that the US has dozens of military bases throughout the entire area to preserve access to the oil....even some threatening both Russia and China...

 

[Nika2013]

Some of us did not ever believe it.(WMDs)...Does that mean we were ahead of the pack? Or just not gullible? Do not believe CNN...Their facts are never straight...

 

[Britfire54]

One would think that if they were there, he would have used them on us when we invaded Iraq.

That would have been way to big of a strategic blunder.

Agreed but what did he have to lose?
it was his last stand and if there was a time to use WMDs that was the time.

Another thing that bothered me was that if the US had found any WMD, One would think that Bush would have been all over the news telling people what they had found. That did not happen.

A couple of points occur to me on this.

First .. let's say Saddam had plenty of WMD's, all primed and ready for deployment, as he saw fit. Now, to fend off any invasion of Iraq, where would they have been deployed ? Answer: within Iraq !

Killing off invading forces by poisoning your own territory, now, just how suicidal would that have been ?

Granted, Saddam wasn't shy of using one against the Kurds [hint: this meant he had them !!!]. But then, the region of Iraq involved was a comparatively remote one.

Secondly, consider that I've already posted evidence to show that in excess of 500 degraded WMD's really were found. Now, do you see people rushing, on this forum, to accept what they can check with their own eyes ?

Left-wing propaganda has had ample opportunity to skew perceptions. The report released by Santorum only saw the light of day three years after the Iraq invasion, and by that time, the so-called nonexistence of WMD's was an entrenched 'fact'. And, how many media outlets reported Santorum's press conference ? Precious few, and on my side of the Pond, NONE did.

Bottom line: people believe what they want to believe, and if the Left can come up with a cozy propagandist line they can make stick, then there are those who'll cling to the beliefs they're spoonfed. Bush had precious little time to prove such a case, and that time had come and gone by the time that useful evidence could've been provided.

 

[Britfire54]

Who said what and when does not matter. It was all a ruse to get to the oil and had zero to do with WMD's. Bush Sr. company, Carlyle made more money than most in the second war against Iraq....and Cheney's company, Halliburton most likely made more. Add this to what was going on in Afghanistan after the Taliban refused to negotiate for an oil pipeline through the country from the Caspian Sea and the big picture becomes more clear. Iran was the piece that did not fit in the big picture as it blocked a route from the Caspian to the Gulf ports. That...was what the hoopla was about in going after Iran ...and still is. What most people do not realize is that the US has dozens of military bases throughout the entire area to preserve access to the oil....even some threatening both Russia and China...

Interesting, but this 'it was all about the oil' is a rather tired propagandist line.

Here's one fact you overlook. When Saddam's forces invaded Kuwait, arrangements were made to ensure that maximum damage could be done to sabotage Kuwaiti oilfields and oil-producing resources. So, sure enough, when Iraqi forces were forced to withdraw, Saddam made sure that all this rigged damage was done.

Social Studies: Conflict between Kuwait and Iraq

The Impact on Kuwait was a damaging result of the conflict. Kuwait suffered heavy losses on both its society as well as on its economy. Many Kuwaiti civilians were killed and thousands of others were tortured. Kuwaitis were also treated harshly to force them to flee their own country. The economy also suffered tremendous losses as the Iraqi army set fire to 600 out of the 950 oil wells in Kuwait. Damages to Kuwait amounted to over US $25 billion.

See that ?

Now, then. Do you suppose that Bush and his people were oblivious of that tactic ? By what stretch of credibility would the American Government feel certain that there was no likelihood of that tactic being repeated, if they chose to invade ?

Obvious conclusion: the invasion of Iraq was NOT about its oil.

 

[Oldstyle]

If the invasion of Iraq was all about seizing their oil then why didn't that happen? We're leaving and Iraq still controls it's oil reserves. Silly premise to be honest with you...

 

[Provocateur]

He used WMDs on his own people, so I'm absolutely sure he had them too.

 

[BlindBoo]

Who said what and when does not matter. It was all a ruse to get to the oil and had zero to do with WMD's. Bush Sr. company, Carlyle made more money than most in the second war against Iraq....and Cheney's company, Halliburton most likely made more. Add this to what was going on in Afghanistan after the Taliban refused to negotiate for an oil pipeline through the country from the Caspian Sea and the big picture becomes more clear. Iran was the piece that did not fit in the big picture as it blocked a route from the Caspian to the Gulf ports. That...was what the hoopla was about in going after Iran ...and still is. What most people do not realize is that the US has dozens of military bases throughout the entire area to preserve access to the oil....even some threatening both Russia and China...

Interesting, but this 'it was all about the oil' is a rather tired propagandist line.

Here's one fact you overlook. When Saddam's forces invaded Kuwait, arrangements were made to ensure that maximum damage could be done to sabotage Kuwaiti oilfields and oil-producing resources. So, sure enough, when Iraqi forces were forced to withdraw, Saddam made sure that all this rigged damage was done.

Social Studies: Conflict between Kuwait and Iraq

The Impact on Kuwait was a damaging result of the conflict. Kuwait suffered heavy losses on both its society as well as on its economy. Many Kuwaiti civilians were killed and thousands of others were tortured. Kuwaitis were also treated harshly to force them to flee their own country. The economy also suffered tremendous losses as the Iraqi army set fire to 600 out of the 950 oil wells in Kuwait. Damages to Kuwait amounted to over US $25 billion.

See that ?

Now, then. Do you suppose that Bush and his people were oblivious of that tactic ? By what stretch of credibility would the American Government feel certain that there was no likelihood of that tactic being repeated, if they chose to invade ?

Obvious conclusion: the invasion of Iraq was NOT about its oil.

The crisis was that Iraq was deep in debt and Kuwait was overproducing (and slant drilling under the boarder into Iraqi reserves) well beyond it quota. Retreating militaries often leave a scourced earth. The allies did it in WWII. But that has little to do with the reason for the invasion and occupation.

 

[LadyGunSlinger]

What are you assholes argung about?? LIES??? Let's do this again..

A Closer Look - Was Khamisiyah A Cover-Up? | Last Battle Of The Gulf War | FRONTLINE | PBS

The CIA's account of how U.S. authorities failed to realize troops were exposed to chemical agents at Khamisiyah suggests incompetence more than conspiracy. (You can read this report on the internet: "CIA Report on Intelligence Related to Gulf War Illnesses")

The CIA had known about Khamisiyah as a possible chemical weapons site since 1986. Several intelligence warnings in February 1991 that Khamisiyah might contain chemical weapons were not passed on to the commanders of the divisions that subsequently destroyed the site in March, 1991. The CIA account claims that its analysts were:

(1) Confused about the name Khamisiyah (confusing it with Tall al Lham and An Nasiriyah)

(2) Uncertain of Khamisiyah's precise location.


(3) Unsure about which "shape" of Iraqi bunker contained chemical weapons.


In October, 1991, Khamisiyah was visited by United Nations inspectors (UNSCOM) who found the site heavily contaminated with sarin. The Iraqis told UNSCOM officials that they had not destroyed the site; Coalition forces had done it some time after the ground war ended.


The Iraqi story gained credibility after UNSCOM found a box of U.S. explosives at the site. This information was passed on to U.S. authorities, but the CIA and DOD did not believe the story and were unable to confirm it. Subsequent warnings by UNSCOM and others did not lead the CIA and DOD to connect Khamisiyah with U. S. troops.


It wasn't until June, 1996 that DOD officially recognized that (1) the site contained chemical weapons and, (2) US troops had blown it up in March, 1991.

 

[LadyGunSlinger]

More from the US Gov site-- DEFENSE DEPT, you liar liberals

On the Web:
Defense.gov News Release: KHAMISIYAH INTERIM NARRATIVE RELEASED
Media contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132 Public contact:
United States Department of Defense (defense.gov)
or +1 (703) 571-3343


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 088-97
February 25, 1997


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

KHAMISIYAH INTERIM NARRATIVE RELEASED


Bernard Rostker, special assistant for Gulf War Illnesses released the first in a series of case narratives related to the Department's ongoing investigation into Gulf War illnesses. This particular narrative focuses on the actions of American troops at Khamisiyah. It specifically discusses the demolitions of munitions by U.S. forces, the subsequent United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) inspections and the later public inquiry into the events surrounding this ammunition storage point located in southern Iraq.
These case narratives are a part of the Defense Department's continuing effort to inform the public of its efforts to better understand the nature and possible causes of the illnesses being experienced by many Gulf War veterans.

This case narrative and future narratives are not intended as final reports, said Rostker. This is an interim report about what we currently know about Khamisiyah. Other narratives about key events and issues surrounding the Gulf War experience are being prepared and will be released as soon as they are completed. This report, along with the documentary evidence and personal interviews will be posted on the GulfLINK Internet site (/GulfLin k/) as well as future narratives.

In addition to informing the public, these narratives are intended to open up a dialogue with Gulf War veterans who may have additional information that will help DoD more accurately understand key events. Veterans with additional information or who can clarify the events at Khamisiyah are encouraged to call the Gulf War incident hotline at 1-800-472-6719.

Gulf War veterans who are experiencing health problems that they believe are a result of their service in the Gulf are encouraged to call one of the toll free numbers to receive a complete medical evaluation. Those individuals still on active duty, who are retirees, or affiliated with a Reserve unit can call the Comprehensive Clinic Evaluation Program at 1-800-796- 9699. Those no longer with DoD, including reserve personnel, can call the Department of Veterans' Affairs Persian Gulf helpline at 1-800-749-8387.

 

[LadyGunSlinger]

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH SHIT!!!! The fucking truth... Oh noes....

http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB39/document15.pdf

 

[LadyGunSlinger]

Anyone notice every time I post these FACTS, TRUTHS, LINKS to the FACTS that chemical weapons were indeed found in Iraq during the Gulf War, all the liberal LIARS scatter?? Marc ATL comes back with more propaganda-- so do his asslickers.. for what?? To show what lowlife liars they are??

 

[Wehrwolfen]

Moreover, that he was determined to use them.

We now know that was a blatant LIE.

Here's some of the gems that brought us to war with the wrong country for the wrong reasons. These are all quotes...

Saddam's removal is necessary to eradicate the threat from his weapons of mass destruction

Simply stated, there is no doubt that Saddam Hussein now has weapons of mass destruction.

We'll find them. It'll be a matter of time to do so.

I'm absolutely sure that there are weapons of mass destruction there and the evidence will be forthcoming. We're just getting it just now.

With all that alleged certainty, you don't just NOT be able to prove it. They lied to us, and they lied repeatedly and for a singular purpose of getting the country in a frame of mind to go to war.

How do the Republicans of USMB reconcile this? What's your response?

Clinton believed Iraq had WMD -
The Age - Business, World & Breaking News | Melbourne, Australia

Clinton believed Iraq had WMD - http://www.theage.com.au

Ex-US president Bill Clinton was convinced Iraq had weapons of ... he was convinced Iraq had weapons of mass destruction up ... me he was absolutely ...


H.R. 4655 - Iraq Liberation Act of 1998

H.R. 4655 - Iraq Liberation Act of 1998

H.R.4655 Iraq Liberation Act of 1998 (Enrolled Bill (Sent to President)) Bill Summary & Status for the 105th Congress. H.R.4655 Public Law: 105-338 (10/31/98)

Either Bush was intelligent enough to follow the premises set forth by Bill Clinton, or they both were fools.

 

[Britfire54]

Who said what and when does not matter. It was all a ruse to get to the oil and had zero to do with WMD's. Bush Sr. company, Carlyle made more money than most in the second war against Iraq....and Cheney's company, Halliburton most likely made more. Add this to what was going on in Afghanistan after the Taliban refused to negotiate for an oil pipeline through the country from the Caspian Sea and the big picture becomes more clear. Iran was the piece that did not fit in the big picture as it blocked a route from the Caspian to the Gulf ports. That...was what the hoopla was about in going after Iran ...and still is. What most people do not realize is that the US has dozens of military bases throughout the entire area to preserve access to the oil....even some threatening both Russia and China...

Interesting, but this 'it was all about the oil' is a rather tired propagandist line.

Here's one fact you overlook. When Saddam's forces invaded Kuwait, arrangements were made to ensure that maximum damage could be done to sabotage Kuwaiti oilfields and oil-producing resources. So, sure enough, when Iraqi forces were forced to withdraw, Saddam made sure that all this rigged damage was done.

Social Studies: Conflict between Kuwait and Iraq

The Impact on Kuwait was a damaging result of the conflict. Kuwait suffered heavy losses on both its society as well as on its economy. Many Kuwaiti civilians were killed and thousands of others were tortured. Kuwaitis were also treated harshly to force them to flee their own country. The economy also suffered tremendous losses as the Iraqi army set fire to 600 out of the 950 oil wells in Kuwait. Damages to Kuwait amounted to over US $25 billion.

See that ?

Now, then. Do you suppose that Bush and his people were oblivious of that tactic ? By what stretch of credibility would the American Government feel certain that there was no likelihood of that tactic being repeated, if they chose to invade ?

Obvious conclusion: the invasion of Iraq was NOT about its oil.

The crisis was that Iraq was deep in debt and Kuwait was overproducing (and slant drilling under the boarder into Iraqi reserves) well beyond it quota. Retreating militaries often leave a scourced earth. The allies did it in WWII. But that has little to do with the reason for the invasion and occupation.

I see.

So, then, it was impossible for Saddam to order the SAME tactic, for a DIFFERENT reason ?

And how could the US possibly assume such a thing ?

The point remains: Saddam's willingness to adopt such a tactic was known. His awareness of the tactic, certainly was ! So, WHY would the US think its repetition to be impossible ?

 

[Britfire54]

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH SHIT!!!! The fucking truth... Oh noes....

http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB39/document15.pdf

Like holding up a crucifix to Dracula. They'll never survive it !!!

 

[BlindBoo]

Interesting, but this 'it was all about the oil' is a rather tired propagandist line.

Here's one fact you overlook. When Saddam's forces invaded Kuwait, arrangements were made to ensure that maximum damage could be done to sabotage Kuwaiti oilfields and oil-producing resources. So, sure enough, when Iraqi forces were forced to withdraw, Saddam made sure that all this rigged damage was done.

Social Studies: Conflict between Kuwait and Iraq



See that ?

Now, then. Do you suppose that Bush and his people were oblivious of that tactic ? By what stretch of credibility would the American Government feel certain that there was no likelihood of that tactic being repeated, if they chose to invade ?

Obvious conclusion: the invasion of Iraq was NOT about its oil.

The crisis was that Iraq was deep in debt and Kuwait was overproducing (and slant drilling under the boarder into Iraqi reserves) well beyond it quota. Retreating militaries often leave a scourced earth. The allies did it in WWII. But that has little to do with the reason for the invasion and occupation.

I see.

So, then, it was impossible for Saddam to order the SAME tactic, for a DIFFERENT reason ?

And how could the US possibly assume such a thing ?

The point remains: Saddam's willingness to adopt such a tactic was known. His awareness of the tactic, certainly was ! So, WHY would the US think its repetition to be impossible ?

Regardless of the memes you hear, it's not about getting the oil directly but keeping the Governements of the countries that own the oil in Friendly hands....

"Since the end of World War II, the United States, like the European colonial powers before it, has been unable to resist becoming entangled in the region's political conflicts. Driven by a desire to keep the vast oil reserves in hands friendly to the United States, a wish to keep out potential rivals (such as the Soviet Union), opposition to neutrality in the cold war, and domestic political considerations, the United States has compiled a record of tragedy in the Middle East. The most recent part of that record, which includes U.S. alliances with Iraq to counter Iran.....

"Ancient History": U.S. Conduct in the Middle East Since World War Il and the Folly Of Intervention

 

[Britfire54]

The crisis was that Iraq was deep in debt and Kuwait was overproducing (and slant drilling under the boarder into Iraqi reserves) well beyond it quota. Retreating militaries often leave a scourced earth. The allies did it in WWII. But that has little to do with the reason for the invasion and occupation.

I see.

So, then, it was impossible for Saddam to order the SAME tactic, for a DIFFERENT reason ?

And how could the US possibly assume such a thing ?

The point remains: Saddam's willingness to adopt such a tactic was known. His awareness of the tactic, certainly was ! So, WHY would the US think its repetition to be impossible ?

Regardless of the memes you hear, it's not about getting the oil directly but keeping the Governements of the countries that own the oil in Friendly hands....

"Since the end of World War II, the United States, like the European colonial powers before it, has been unable to resist becoming entangled in the region's political conflicts. Driven by a desire to keep the vast oil reserves in hands friendly to the United States, a wish to keep out potential rivals (such as the Soviet Union), opposition to neutrality in the cold war, and domestic political considerations, the United States has compiled a record of tragedy in the Middle East. The most recent part of that record, which includes U.S. alliances with Iraq to counter Iran.....

"Ancient History": U.S. Conduct in the Middle East Since World War Il and the Folly Of Intervention

So UN Res 1441, Saddam's believed-in stock of WMD's (with that issue remaining unresolved by the time the 2003 invasion was launched), his dodgy links with terrorists (Saddam's regime helped bankroll Hamas, for example, did you know that ?) ... NONE of this lent legitimate reason to consider Iraq a viable and preferred candidate for remedial action in the War on Terror ?

 

[BlindBoo]

I see.

So, then, it was impossible for Saddam to order the SAME tactic, for a DIFFERENT reason ?

And how could the US possibly assume such a thing ?

The point remains: Saddam's willingness to adopt such a tactic was known. His awareness of the tactic, certainly was ! So, WHY would the US think its repetition to be impossible ?

Regardless of the memes you hear, it's not about getting the oil directly but keeping the Governements of the countries that own the oil in Friendly hands....

"Since the end of World War II, the United States, like the European colonial powers before it, has been unable to resist becoming entangled in the region's political conflicts. Driven by a desire to keep the vast oil reserves in hands friendly to the United States, a wish to keep out potential rivals (such as the Soviet Union), opposition to neutrality in the cold war, and domestic political considerations, the United States has compiled a record of tragedy in the Middle East. The most recent part of that record, which includes U.S. alliances with Iraq to counter Iran.....

"Ancient History": U.S. Conduct in the Middle East Since World War Il and the Folly Of Intervention

So UN Res 1441, Saddam's believed-in stock of WMD's (with that issue remaining unresolved by the time the 2003 invasion was launched), his dodgy links with terrorists (Saddam's regime helped bankroll Hamas, for example, did you know that ?) ... NONE of this lent legitimate reason to consider Iraq a viable and preferred candidate for remedial action in the War on Terror ?

There was no military action clause in 1441, by design, as that was the only way several permanant members of the SC would sign on. Did Hamas play a part in 9-11? Are we to invade all Arab nations that support Palestinian armed resistance groups?