George W. Bush Address to Nation March 17, 2003 Saddam Hussein Must Leave Iraq Within 48 Hours

Events in Iraq Have Reached Final Days for Decision Bush asserts in the beginning of his speech that the U.S. and other nations have pursued patient and honorable efforts to disarm Iraqi regime without war. Iraq pledged in 1991 as condition to end Gulf War to reveal and destroy all WMD. 12 years of diplomacy ensued, and a dozen UN resolutions were passed. Hundreds of weapons inspectors to oversee disarmament. Our good faith was not returned, according to the President.

Iraqi Regime Has Taken Advantage of Diplomacy It was used as a ploy to gain time and an advantage. Iraq defied Security Council resolutions. Peaceful efforts to disarm has failed again and again. Intelligence showed that Iraq possessed and concealed some of the “most lethal weapons ever devised”. “The danger is clear…using chemical, biological, or one day nuclear weapons, could…kill thousands or hundreds of thousands of people in our country or any other.”

Spread the Fear “We are not dealing with peaceful men.” “Iraqi regime continues to possess and conceal some of the most lethal weapons ever devised.” U.S. “did nothing to invite or deserve this threat. “Before the day of horror can come… this danger will be removed. “Every measure has been taken to avoid a war.” “He and terrorist groups might try to conduct terrorist operations against the American people…” “We choose to meet that fear now…before it can appear suddenly in our skies and cities.

Resolve to Destroy the Danger Resolution 678 and 687 authorize the use of force to rid Iraq of WMD…it is a question of will. Act now before they can attack the innocent and destroy the peace. Resolution 1441 found Iraq in material breach of its obligations. The UN Security Council has not lived up to its responsibilities, so we will rise to ours. Free nations have a duty to defend our people by uniting against the violent. America and our allies accept that responsibility.

Our Promises to Iraq “If we must begin a military campaign, it will be directed against the lawless men who rule your country, and not against you.” “We will tear down the apparatus of terror and we will help you to build a new Iraq that is prosperous and free. No more executions of the dissident, no more torture chambers…” “The tyrant soon will be gone.” “Your fate will depend on your action.” “War crimes will be prosecuted. War criminals will be punished.” “War has no certainty, except the certainty of sacrifice.

In Hindsight… No WMD were found. Saddam Hussein did not pose the global threat Bush assured our nation we were fighting. Liberty and Peace for the nation of Iraq are nowhere near. The “tyrant” that was removed was replaced by a bigger and more powerful tyrant: the U.S. Human rights, peace, dignity and freedom are no more a reality for the Iraqis now than they were then.

Thinking Critically Should we have attacked Iraq? Were we justified, and why? Are we winning or losing this conflict? Have we made life better for the Iraqi people? When we leave Iraq, what are the odds that a theocracy will replace the “democracy” we put into place? How will this conflict affect the long range future of Iraq? How will this conflict affect our nation in the future? How long do you think we will stay in Iraq? Do you think we will be successful? Do we have a duty to remain there given that we started the upheaval?

Thinking Critically Do you think Bush was honest with our citizens regarding his intelligence and the perceived threat? Do you think Bush should remain in office or face impeachment? Do you think Americans and Congress reacted in support of this war out of fear from 9/11? Do you think the Bush administration took advantage of this fear?