Bush Launches Renewed Assault on Saddam Hussein

Strategic Insights -

President George W. Bush launched a renewed assault on Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, accusing him of acting with "contempt" and defiance to international will. Bush stated that Saddam Hussein failed to account for chemical and biological weapons caches left over from the 1991 Gulf War in Iraq's December declaration to the United Nations. The president warned that America would disarm Iraq by force if necessary and emphasized the determination to liberate a people from oppression.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Bush accused Iraqi President Saddam Hussein of acting with "contempt" and defiance to international will.
  • Saddam Hussein failed to account for chemical and biological weapons caches left over from the 1991 Gulf War in Iraq's December declaration to the United Nations.
  • The president warned that America would disarm Iraq by force if necessary.
  • Bush stated that the Iraqi dictator was given a path to peace but chose the path of defiance.
  • About 1,300 soldiers from the units at Fort Hood were already deployed overseas, and about 1,600 more were slated for deployment soon.
  • Bush emphasized the importance of defending America and the cause of freedom in the first war of the 21st century.
  • The president compared Iraq and North Korea to "outlaw regimes."
  • In the case of North Korea, Bush stated that the world must speak with one voice to turn the regime away from its nuclear ambition.
  • The United States believes it already possesses one or two nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them regionally.

Statistics:

  • About 1,300 soldiers from the units at Fort Hood were already deployed overseas.
  • About 1,600 more soldiers from the units at Fort Hood were slated for deployment soon.
  • The United States believes it already possesses one or two nuclear weapons.
  • Fort Hood is home to more than 40,000 troops.

Sources:

  • "President Bush launches assault on Bush," UPI, Jan. 3.
  • "Bush Bars US Troops From Iraq After UN Deadline," The Telegraph, December 26, 2002