White House Under Fire for Alleged Pressure on Iraq Link by Former Counterterrorism Chief

Strategic Insights -

A ferocious dispute erupted in the White House over Richard A. Clarke's claims in his new book, "Against All Enemies: Inside America's War on Terror," that President Bush instructed him to investigate the possibility of a link between Saddam Hussein and the September 11 attacks, despite the lack of evidence. The White House has responded with a vigorous defense, labeling Clarke a disgruntled and politically motivated individual, but several allies have come to his defense.

Clarke's book not only challenges the president's policies but also asserts that the administration failed to heed warnings about the September 11 attacks and neglected the threat of Al Qaeda as it turned its attention to Saddam Hussein. One of Clarke's former deputies, Roger Cressey, confirmed the outlines of Clarke's critique, stating that Clarke repeatedly warned senior officials about the growing threat of Al Qaeda, but was met with reluctance.

The book's portrayal of the Bush administration's handling of terrorism is seen as a significant challenge to President Bush's electoral strength, national security. Clarke has said he is prepared to testify before the 9/11 commission that Clinton administration officials repeatedly warned members of the incoming Bush administration about the threat posed by Al Qaeda. The administration's statements were shaped by concerns about the book's potential impact on the election.

Key Takeaways:

  • Richard A. Clarke's book, "Against All Enemies: Inside America's War on Terror," asserts that President Bush asked him to investigate a possible link between Saddam Hussein and the September 11 attacks on the day after the attacks.
  • The White House has dismissed Clarke's claims, portraying him as a disgruntled and politically motivated individual.
  • Several allies have come to Clarke's defense, including his former deputy, Roger Cressey, who backed the thrust of one of the most incendiary accusations in the book.
  • Clarke's book criticizes President Bush's handling of the September 11 attacks, stating that the Bush administration failed to heed warnings and neglected the threat of Al Qaeda as it turned its attention to Saddam Hussein.
  • Clarke has said he is prepared to testify before the 9/11 commission that Clinton administration officials repeatedly warned members of the incoming Bush administration about the threat posed by Al Qaeda.
  • The book also challenges President Bush's decision to launch the war in Iraq, stating that it strengthened Islamic terrorist movements and left the nation more vulnerable to future attacks.
  • Clarke's book has sparked controversy at the White House, with administration officials expressing concern about the book's potential impact on the election.

Statistics:

  • The 9/11 commission will hold hearings in Washington starting this week, featuring high-ranking officials from both the Clinton and Bush administrations.
  • The hearings will include testimony from Secretary of State Colin L. Powell, his predecessor Madeleine K. Albright, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, and his predecessor William S. Cohen.
  • Clarke has stated that he was prepared to testify about the Clinton administration's warnings to the incoming Bush administration about the threat posed by Al Qaeda.
  • The book "Against All Enemies: Inside America's War on Terror" is the first by a former administration member to challenge the president directly on national security.
  • President Bush has not denied having the conversation with Clarke, stating that he did not remember the meeting.
  • At least two other former officials with knowledge of the Situation Room that day back up the thrust of Clarke's account, though one of the two challenged Clarke's assertion that the president's demeanor was intimidating.

Sources:

  • Clarke, Richard A. "Against All Enemies: Inside America's War on Terror."
  • McClellan, Scott. White House Press Secretary.
  • Cressey, Roger. Clarke's former deputy.
  • Maertens, Thomas R. National Security Council director for nuclear nonproliferation.
  • Bush, George W. President of the United States.
  • Rice, Condoleezza. National Security Adviser.
  • Powell, Colin L. Secretary of State.
  • Albright, Madeleine K. Secretary of State.
  • Rumsfeld, Donald H. Defense Secretary.
  • Cohen, William S. Defense Secretary.