Did we get them?
Posted on 11/02/2005 3:55:15 PM PST by NYjarcola
December 16, 1998 Web posted at: 8:51 p.m. EST (0151 GMT)
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- From the Oval Office, President Clinton told the nation Wednesday evening why he ordered new military strikes against Iraq.
The president said Iraq's refusal to cooperate with U.N. weapons inspectors presented a threat to the entire world.
"Saddam (Hussein) must not be allowed to threaten his neighbors or the world with nuclear arms, poison gas or biological weapons," Clinton said.
Operation Desert Fox, a strong, sustained series of attacks, will be carried out over several days by U.S. and British forces, Clinton said.
"Earlier today I ordered America's armed forces to strike military and security targets in Iraq. They are joined by British forces," Clinton said.
"Their mission is to attack Iraq's nuclear, chemical and biological weapons programs and its military capacity to threaten its neighbors," said Clinton.
Clinton also stated that, while other countries also had weapons of mass destruction, Hussein is in a different category because he has used such weapons against his own people and against his neighbors.
'Without delay, diplomacy or warning'
The Iraqi leader was given a final warning six weeks ago, Clinton said, when Baghdad promised to cooperate with U.N. inspectors at the last minute just as U.S. warplanes were headed its way.
"Along with Prime Minister (Tony) Blair of Great Britain, I made it equally clear that if Saddam failed to cooperate fully we would be prepared to act without delay, diplomacy or warning," Clinton said.
The president said the report handed in Tuesday by Richard Butler, head of the United Nations Special Commission in charge of finding and destroying Iraqi weapons, was stark and sobering.
Iraq failed to cooperate with the inspectors and placed new restrictions on them, Clinton said. He said Iraqi officials also destroyed records and moved everything, even the furniture, out of suspected sites before inspectors were allowed in.
"Instead of inspectors disarming Saddam, Saddam has disarmed the inspectors," Clinton said.
"In halting our airstrikes in November, I gave Saddam a chance -- not a license. If we turn our backs on his defiance, the credibility of U.S. power as a check against Saddam will be destroyed," the president explained.
Strikes necessary to stunt weapons programs
Clinton said he made the decision to strike Wednesday with the unanimous agreement of his security advisors.
Timing was important, said the president, because without a strong inspection system in place, Iraq could rebuild its chemical, biological and nuclear programs in a matter of months, not years.
"If Saddam can cripple the weapons inspections system and get away with it, he would conclude the international community, led by the United States, has simply lost its will," said Clinton. "He would surmise that he has free rein to rebuild his arsenal of destruction."
Clinton also called Hussein a threat to his people and to the security of the world.
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"The best way to end that threat once and for all is with a new Iraqi government -- a government ready to live in peace with its neighbors, a government that respects the rights of its people," Clinton said.
Such a change in Baghdad would take time and effort, Clinton said, adding that his administration would work with Iraqi opposition forces.
Clinton also addressed the ongoing impeachment crisis in the White House.
"Saddam Hussein and the other enemies of peace may have thought that the serious debate currently before the House of Representatives would distract Americans or weaken our resolve to face him down," he said.
"But once more, the United States has proven that although we are never eager to use force, when we must act in America's vital interests, we will do so."
I had not realized slick had done such a good job of taking out all of those weapons.
Bill Quisling. Ex-Treasonous-Rapist-Impeached-POTUS. Communist Rat.
"The Iraqi leader was given a final warning six weeks ago, Clinton said"
I guess 1441 was his final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final final warning!
No wonder Slick doesn't join the Bush-is-a-liar-crowd.
This is great. I hope that this and other quotes from Democrats will continue to get wide coverage.
I must say I did enjoy watching Hillary's quotes on Special Report tonight.
If Senator Roberts is right in saying that the Dems wanted to check the accuracy of various statement about Sadaam and WMD, but balked when he wanted to include Dem quotes then it looks like they've shot themselves in the foot.
5.56mm
Well just when you wonder that about his statements than and now......John Kerry comes to mind when he talked about how Clintons limited strikes were not the right policy and that more was needed than just these limited strikes.
Dems are TOAST now in the Congress as the info that has been traded on the net since this began finally makes its way there. That is to say what congresspeople have said over the years...YEAH FOOLS WE REMEMBER!!!!!! Now with the net they cannot hide from what it is they have said and done.
An everyone should see bump!
Of course, Clinton said all this with his fingers crossed behind his back.
Did we get them?
I'm more than happy to help with that mission. BUMP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I also saw the Dems. pro-war comments on Special Report tonight, we need to get them posted here often:
Hitlery Clintoon
Swimmer Kennedy
Jay Rockawussy
etc.
Does anyone have any video of these leftist warhawks of the Clinton era? I swear nobody believes (remembers) anything unless they see it replayed on TV. A nice commercial with a string of these guys (Clinton, Kerry, etc) talking hawkish would be great. I would definitely donate to support that!
BTTT
Rush is right. The democrats are imploding before our very eyes and we are here to witness it! First the Soviet Union, now this. Life pays off sometimes.
Yeah, and if that doesn't work, then they don't get any pudding!
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