Bush Insists on Saddam Relationship with Al-Qaeda

Reuters ^ | 6/17/04

[cyncooper]

I saw him say this and posted on another thread that he was quite firm and forceful.

I just saw Dan Goure on MSNBC (one of their ME experts) inform Sam, the anchor, that there was indeed a relationship between Al Qaeda and Saddam.

Facts will always trump spin.

[cyncooper]

His remarks came a day after the independent commission investigating the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on Washington and New York reported that there was no evidence to support claims of a working relationship between Saddam and the militant network blamed for the attacks that killed 3,000 people.

This is brilliant. The commission was already discredited by many, but bit by bit the evidence will show that not even the most artful spin will bestow upon them any measure of credibility.

Not a partisan shot was fired by our side. Just the facts.

[McGavin999]

the Republican president said.

The democrat "journalist" wrote.

[cyncooper]

See also this press conference from Tuesday. VP Cheney got the ball rolling on Monday:

Excerpt:

Q The Vice President, who I see standing over there, said yesterday that Saddam Hussein has long-established ties to al Qaeda. As you know, this is disputed within the U.S. intelligence community. Mr. President, would you add any qualifiers to that flat statement? And what do you think is the best evidence of it?

PRESIDENT BUSH: Zarqawi. Zarqawi is the best evidence of connection to al Qaeda affiliates and al Qaeda. He's the person who's still killing. He's the person -- and remember the email exchange between al Qaeda leadership and he, himself, about how to disrupt the progress toward freedom?

Saddam Hussein also had ties to terrorist organizations, as well. In other words, he was affiliated with terrorism -- Abu Nidal, the paying of families of suiciders to go kill innocent people. I mean, he was no doubt a destabilizing force. And we did the absolute right thing in removing him from power. And the world is better off with him not in power.

~snip~

[cyncooper]

Can it be that both the administration and 9/11 commission are saying the same thing? Seems they agree that there were contacts between SH & AQ, but that SH had no role in the planning or carrying out of the 9/11 actions of AQ. That's what I think I'm reading & hearing - so what's all the kerfuffle about?

The kerfluffle is created by the media saying the President and VP "contradict" the commission, when, as you point out, they don't.

[cyncooper]

Though I should say, the commission minimizes the Al Qaeda/Saddam connection while at the same time acknowledging there was one.

[familyofman]

"...the commission minimizes the Al Qaeda/Saddam connection while at the same time acknowledging there was one."

Being as that is - there is still overall agreement. Shades of agreement, but agreement - what more can we expect? They are all politicians and media types (dogs, cats, and chipmunks) going in the same direction. Give them a hand, not a slap.

[Right_in_Virginia]

In additition to everything else it did...Saddam's Iraq provided safe haven for AQ. Enough of a connection for me.

[cyncooper]

I do believe my approach has been to calmly and coolly present the facts. I'd call that giving a hand to those who wish to be informed. Not a slap.

But if you are saying If I hear an outright lie presented on tv and ought not say so, you can guess again. I will always speak up and correct the record. Again, that is not a "slap".

[familyofman]

"I do believe my approach has been to calmly and coolly present the facts. I'd call that giving a hand to those who wish to be informed. Not a slap."

My comment about the slap was not directed at you. Rather it was a general comment concerning the tendency of everyone to be quick with the slap, while only halfhearted giving credit to others when it's due. I know I find it much easier to find fault than it is to give praise, especially to those I normally find to be in error.