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Posted by Shakka on May-06-2004 14:19:

Flashback

Anyone remember this?

Clinton Speaks in '98

quote:
Clinton: Iraq has abused its last chance

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.

"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."


Posted by biodigit on May-06-2004 14:29:

If Clinton had started an "All Out" war over the above stated WMD allegations. I still would've been just as vocal being against this war.


Posted by arctic on May-06-2004 14:47:

quote:
Originally posted by biodigit
If Clinton had started an "All Out" war over the above stated WMD allegations. I still would've been just as vocal being against this war.


I second that. I wouldn't care who it is who launched the war, it could be a reincarnation of Ghandi gone mad for all I care. If it had played out as it did with Bush at the helm, I still would have been opposed to it.

I'm no Clinton lover (he's a politician, enough said), although I do think he did a much better job than Bush is currently doing, but let's face it - Clinton didn't invade, Bush did.


Posted by St_Andrew on May-06-2004 18:58:

exactly, like it would mater who invaded iraq?

you tend to forgot something shakka, liberals are not like conservatives, who protect their leader whatever he/she does


Posted by Shakka on May-06-2004 19:27:

quote:
Originally posted by St_Andrew
exactly, like it would mater who invaded iraq?

you tend to forgot something shakka, liberals are not like conservatives, who protect their leader whatever he/she does


So you're saying that liberals are disloyal folks that tend to cut and run when times get tough? Sounds a bit cowardly to me, just sayin...


Posted by igottaknow on May-06-2004 19:33:

quote:
Originally posted by Shakka
So you're saying that liberals are disloyal folks that tend to cut and run when times get tough? Sounds a bit cowardly to me, just sayin...

I agree you should support your leader no matter what he does...


Posted by Shakka on May-06-2004 19:46:

quote:
Originally posted by igottaknow
I agree you should support your leader no matter what he does...



I'd be lying if I said I didn't see that coming. Wasn't exaclty my point though.


Posted by smokeape on May-07-2004 02:18:



Follow....the....leader....


[[[smoke]]]


Posted by Q5echo on May-07-2004 05:15:

thanks for the new sig.

so how many you have ditched the one bandwagon recently and are on a different one now?



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