Posted on 12/22/2003 10:57:47 AM PST by nwrep
CLEAR BLUFFS, Iowa: Leading Democratic Presidential hopeful Howard Dean stirred the pot once again today in an ongoing foreign policy debate that has had him on the defensive since the capture of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.
Criticizing the capture of Hussein as a "Santa Claus holiday photo-op", he declared that the capture and the subsequent airing of the videotape showing a dishevelled Saddam has raised the ire of the Arab world against the United States.
"The Bush administration has increased the threat to the US by this symbolic capture, which does nothing to make us safer", he said in a speech to the Transgender Christmas Choir here.
"The only way to reduce this current level of threat is to release Saddam Hussein. We have squandered the goodwill acquired around the world, particularly in the Arab world after 9/11, and releasing Saddam Hussein will go a long way to restore that good will", Dean said.
Speaking to reporters afterward, Dean sought to clarify his remarks which confounded many who had gathered by saying he meant to imply that Saddam should be released to the custody of the United Nations, and not to be set free.
Yes Sir, its Lt.JG Dean again Sir.
Yes Sir, I know it's a lot of trouble to turn the ship, but don't you think we should attempt a rescue?
Yes Sir, steady as she goes Ensign.
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