I would suspect that much information about Saddam’s future plans came from classified sources, during an administration that used to keep secrets
For example, I remember a report that by Oct 2001, Putin warned Bush that Saddam was planning to sponsor a follow-on to 9-11. Among other things the Russians helpfully told Bush, who saw Putin’s soul when he gazed into his eyes (barf). If Putin played Bush, he did so expertly in terms of timing and effect
What analyst in that time would have ever estimated after 9-11 that Saddam Hussein and his intelligence service would take a back seat to Osama Bin Laden as the leader of jihad against the west, by any means possible (hint: none)
Bush motives aside- removing Sadddam Hussein the murderous destablizing psychopath was a noble thing, and the jury is still out on the long term effect on our attempt at reformed muslim nation-building in Iraq, and the lng term effect on our national security intersts (unfortunately all being sabotaged by democrat malevolence and incompetence)
Good memory RE: what Russian intelligence discovered about Saddam’s terrorism plans. You are absolutely right that occured and Putin warned Bush. Russia had the best intel. presence in Iraq and Bush would have been a fool to ignore Putin even if Putin was b.s.ing. Post 9-11, Bush was not going to take any risks nor ignore any threat. I have often brought up the Putin warnings to those who claimed Saddam was just some benign Middle East presence who would have been better left in power. I’m glad others are aware of the Putin information too.