White House's Pre-War Talking Points

I'm posting all of the pre-war talking points from White House that I aggregated back in August of 2004.

If journalists were paying attention, then they'd realize that the Bush Adminstration was trying to scare the hell out of the domestic population with a self-defense argument while trying to claim to the UN that we already the US already had prior authorization to attack Iraq.

These two PR campaigns were often conflicting with each other, and it wasn't a very difficult task to identify that the Bush Adminstration was hellbent on going to war regardless of whatever the UN said. I make a much more convincing argument in this Overview of the Bush Administration's PR campaign to sell the war in Iraq.

It's taken the Downing Street Memo to reintroduce this concept that Bush was hellbent on going to war in Iraq -- journalists need documentary proof to be able to report on these things.

I'm trying to apply more sophisticated analytical techniques to journalism that could be used to scrub the public record and form theories that contain sets of facts over time.

It's pretty evident that the Bush Administration was more interested in using the UN inspections process as a tripwire for war than they were with actually wanting to find and disarm the prohibited weapons.

I'd suggest reading through my overview of the Bush administration's PR campaign to sell the war in Iraq
Read through these daily talking points below.
And decide for yourself...

9/18/02 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/09/20020918-15.html
Global Message
* Saddam Hussein's regime now claims that Iraq would comply unconditionally with UN demands.
* While this is evidence that world pressure can force the Iraqi regime to respond, it is also a return to form.
* Repeatedly, Iraq's version of "without conditions" has meant deception, delay, and disregard for the United Nations.
* Saddam Hussein has repeatedly violated 16 UNSC resolutions designed to ensure that Iraq does not pose a threat to international peace and security.
* Today the President will again consult with Congressional leaders about Iraq, while Secretary Rumsfeld testifies on Capitol Hill and Secretary Powell continues his discussions with UN leaders.

9/19/02 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/09/20020919-16.html
Global Message
* It is important for the world to see that the US and its allies are united in resolve to deal with the threats we face.
* Saddam Hussein's regime now claims that Iraq would comply unconditionally with UN demands.
* While this is evidence that world pressure can force the Iraqi regime to respond, it is also a return to form.
* Repeatedly, Iraq's version of "without conditions" has meant deception, delay, and disregard for the United Nations.
* Saddam Hussein has repeatedly violated 16 UNSC resolutions designed to ensure that Iraq does not pose a threat to international peace and security.

9/20/02 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/09/20020920.html
Global Message
Statement by the Press Secretary
Today President Bush submitted to Congress the National Security Strategy of the United States as required by the Goldwater-Nichols Defense Department Re-Organization Act of 1986. The president's national security strategy reflects the union of our values and our national interest. This strategy states that the safety and security of America is the first and fundamental commitment of the our government.
America must always stand for and protect the universal values on which it was founded. To this end, President Bush makes clear that the United States will use its position of strength and influence in the world to defend, preserve, and extend the peace.
The full text of the National Security Strategy can be accessed at www.whitehouse.gov.

9/23/02 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/09/20020923-9.html
Global Message
* The President is resolved in confronting the threat posed by Saddam Hussein's regime and is asking Congress to support his firm stand.
* Meanwhile, the UN Security Council must act to enforce its own resolutions. The UN's credibility is at stake as it responds to the President's call for international action to achieve Iraqi disarmament.
*****
* In the Middle East, Israel's recent actions in Ramallah have not been helpful either in reducing terrorist violence or in promoting Palestinian reforms.
* The administration urges Israel to consider carefully the consequences of its actions on reaching the vision for peace in the region outlined by President Bush.

9/24/02 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/09/20020924-17.html
Global Message
* The United States and the United Kingdom are in full agreement that the threat posed by Iraq's weapons of mass destruction programs is significant and growing.
* Both countries agree that Iraq has developed and possesses chemical and biological weapons, has missiles with ranges beyond that permitted, and is trying hard to develop nuclear weapons.
* Both countries recognize that Iraq has pursued WMD programs in defiance of a decade of UN Security Council Resolutions.
* Both countries recognize that Saddam's use of WMD against civilians and others, when combined with his brutal repression opponents, leaves little doubt that his regime is a grave and gathering threat to world peace.

9/25/02 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/09/20020925-12.html
Global Message
* Iraqi weapons of mass destruction are a danger to us all. The UK government's dossier helps make clear the growing threat that we must confront.
* The President has urged the UN Security Council to act now to enforce its own resolutions. He expects that the UN will live up to its responsibilities. But the world should not doubt the resolve of the United States to do what is necessary to defend its national security interests.
* Secretary Powell continues to work closely with UN Security Council members and other parties to draft language for a new, effective UNSC resolution that:
* Makes clear that what is required is nothing less than full compliance with all UNSC resolutions
* Sets a relatively short time for compliance
* Makes clear the potential consequences if the regime fails to act.
* The President is consulting closely with Congress as it moves toward a joint resolution. It is important for this nation be united in confronting the threat posed by Saddam Hussein's regime.

9/26/02 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/09/20020925-12.html
Global Message
* The security of our country is the commitment of both political parties, and the responsibility of both elected branches of government.
* Elected officials are working for a strong Congressional resolution that sends a clear message: UN Security Council demands must be followed and the Iraqi dictator must be disarmed. These requirements will be met, or they will be enforced.
* The danger is grave and growing. The Iraqi regime possesses biological and chemical weapons and is rebuilding facilities to make more. It could launch a biological or chemical attack 45 minutes after the order is given. The regime is seeking a nuclear bomb -- and, with fissile material, could build one within a year.
* Iraq's regime has longstanding and continuing ties to terrorist groups -- there are al-Qaida terrorists inside Iraq. The regime also practices the rape of women and the torture of dissenters and their children as methods of intimidation.
* The President has made it clear: we refuse to live in a future of fear. We are determined to build a future of security and peace for the world.

9/30/02 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/09/20020930-7.html
Global Message
KEY POINTS
* For more than ten years, the regime in Iraq has built the case against itself with continual failure to meet the demands of the UN. And for the past four years, Saddam Hussein has been able to pursue weapons of mass murder unchecked by UN inspections.
* Repeatedly, Iraq's version of "without conditions" has meant deception, delay, and disregard for the UN. This weekend, the regime again tried to limit the sites open to investigation.
* Saddam's regime has repeatedly violated 16 UNSC resolutions designed to ensure that Iraq does not posea threat to international peace and security.
* We will continue to work with the UN and member nations toward a strong Security Council resolution that demands Iraqi compliance with their UN obligations and make clear the consequences of non-compliance.

10/2/02 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/10/20021002-18.html
Global Message
KEY POINTS
* The President is pleased to have reached agreement today with the bipartisan House leadership on language for a joint congressional resolution on Iraq.
* The security of our country is the commitment of both political parties, and the responsibility of both elected branches of government.
* Recognizing that Saddam Hussein was a serious threat, Congress passed a strong resolution on Iraq in 1998. Four years later his regime is a grave and growing danger.
* We will continue to work with our partners in the UN Security Council to secure a new resolution that pressures the Iraqi regime to respond to the requirements of the international community and makes clear the consequences of non-compliance.

10/3/02 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/10/20021003-10.html
Global Message
KEY POINTS
* Congress is quickly closing ranks behind the President, and soon America will be speaking with one voice in confronting a gathering threat to America and the future of peace around the world.
* The treacherous history of Iraq's dictator is to wage war against neighbors, sponsor and support terrorists, and develop and use weapons of mass death.
* We know the methods of this regime. They buy time with hollow promises and move incriminating evidence to stay ahead of inspectors.
* A new UN resolution for weapons inspectors is needed and should enable full and unconditional access - including to Iraqi Regime government ministries and presidential palaces. We know that Iraq used such sites to hide weapons of mass destruction-related equipment and information. (from cleared DOS guidance)
* The United States will work with other nations to bring Saddam to account, help the Iraqi people form a just government and a unified country, and should force be required, help rebuild a liberated Iraq.

10/7/02 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/10/20021007-11.html
Global Message
KEY POINTS
* Leaders from both parties and both houses of Congress are rallying around a resolution on Iraq that shows to friend and enemy alike our unity of purpose and resolve.
* Congress is quickly closing ranks behind the President, and soon America will be speaking with one voice in confronting a gathering threat to America and the future of peace around the world.
* The treacherous history of Iraq's dictator is to wage war against neighbors, sponsor and support terrorists, and develop and use weapons of mass death.
* We know the methods of this regime. They buy time with hollow promises and move incriminating evidence to stay ahead of inspectors.
* The United States will work with other nations to bring Saddam to account, help the Iraqi people form a just government and a unified country, and should force be required, help rebuild a liberated Iraq.

10/8/02 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/10/20021008-10.html
Global Message
KEY POINTS
A Decade of Deception and Defiance: Saddam Hussein has defied and deceived the UN for more than a decade. He has chemical and biological weapons, is seeking nuclear weapons, has given shelter and support to terrorism, and practices terror against his own people.
A Unique Threat: Iraq is a unique threat that gathers the most serious dangers of our age in one place - weapons of mass destruction controlled by a murderous tyrant who has used chemical weapons to kill thousands of people. This same dictator has an unrelenting hostility towards the US.
An Urgent Threat: The danger from the Iraqi regime is significant and only grows worse with time. Iraq has a massive stockpile of chemical and biological weapons never accounted for and capable of killing millions.
The Means of Delivery: Saddam Hussein has many means of weapons delivery at his disposal - from ballistic missiles, to unmanned aerial vehicles, to small containers.
Iraq's Support of Terror: The Iraqi regime has direct links to international terrorist groups and continues to finance terror and give assistance to groups that use terrorism to undermine Middle East peace.
Winning the War on Terror: Confronting the threat posed by Iraq is crucial to winning the war on terror. Those who harbor terrorists are as guilty as the terrorists themselves. Saddam Hussein is harboring terrorists and the instruments of terror, and the risk is too great that he will use these instruments or provide them to a terror network.

10/16/02 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/10/20021016-23.html
Global Message
KEY POINTS
* Regarding the bombing in Bali, the President expressed his sorrow and said that terrorists have once again targeted innocent men, women, and children. They were murdered or injured in a cowardly act designed to create terror and chaos.
* The world must confront the global menace of terrorism. Together we must challenge and defeat the idea that the wanton killing of innocents advances any cause or supports any aspirations. And we must call this despicable act by its rightful name: murder.

10/17/02 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/10/20021017-9.html
Global Message
KEY POINTS
* The Iraqi regime is a serious and growing threat to peace. On the commands of a dictator, the regime is armed with biological and chemical weapons, possesses ballistic missiles, promotes international terror and seeks nuclear weapons.
* Every nation that shares in the benefits of peace also shares in the duty of defending peace. The time has come once again for the UN to live up to the purposes of its founding to protect our common security.
* For 11 years, the Iraqi regime has become highly skilled in the techniques of deception and has frustrated the work of international inspectors. The ploys and promises of the Iraqi regime no longer matter. The regime is free to continue saying whatever it chooses; its fate depends entirely on what it actually does.
* America has never sought to dominate or conquer, but to liberate and free. Our desire is to help Iraqi citizens find the blessings of liberty within their own culture and their own traditions.
* This nation will not live at the mercy of any foreign power or plot. Confronting grave dangers is the surest path to peace and security. This is the expectation of the American people, and the decision of their elected representatives.

10/29/02 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/10/20021029-7.html
Global Message
KEY POINTS
* In Los Cabos, Mexico, President Bush and other APEC Leaders issued a statement condemning in the strongest terms the recent terrorist attacks in Bali, Indonesia, the Philippines and Moscow, and pledging to accelerate counterterrorism cooperation.
* APEC Leaders also joined in issuing an unprecedented statement calling on North Korea to "visibly honor its commitment to give up nuclear weapons programs."
* President Bush secured APEC agreement on a US-driven "Statement on Fighting Terrorism and Promoting Growth" designed to enhance our security while growing our economies. The Statement commits APEC members to specific measures to protect key Pacific Rim sectors - trade, finance, and communications - from terrorist exploitation and attack.

11/1/02 #
NOTE: This Global Message is correctly dated, but incorrectly filed as 11/11/02 on the Global Message Archives
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/11/20021101-11.html
Global Message
KEY POINTS
* The President looks forward to a new UN Security Council resolution that pressures the Iraqi regime to respond to the requirements of the international community and makes clear there will be consequences from non-compliance.
* Every nation that shares in the benefits of peace also shares in the duty of defending peace. The time has come once again for the UN to live up to the purposes of its founding to protect our common security.
* The purpose of the resolution is to provide the tools, equipment, and means necessary for the inspectors to carry out the will of the Security Council.
* The President has urged the UN Security Council to act now to enforce its own resolutions. This is the United Nations' chance to make certain that Saddam Hussein disarms so that peace can be protected.
* America has never sought to dominate or conquer, but to liberate. Our desire is to help Iraqi citizens find the blessings of liberty within their own culture and their own traditions.

11/6/02 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/11/20021106-6.html
Global Message
KEY POINTS From a Presidential Greeting, November 5, 2002
* Ramadan is a time for fasting, prayer, worship, and contemplation. Muslims observe this month by renewing their dedication to caring for those in need, doing good deeds, and strengthening family and community ties.
* Islam is a peace-loving faith practiced by more than one billion people, including millions of American Muslims.
* The United States is grateful for the friendship and support of many Muslim Nations that are vital partners in the global coalition to fight against terrorism.
* America remains committed to freedom, justice, and opportunity for all people and we continue to work together for a future of peace, tolerance, and understanding.

11/8/02 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/11/20021108-7.html
Global Message
KEY POINTS
* This is an important week for America and for the world. The United Nations will vote today on a resolution bringing the civilized world together to disarm Saddam Hussein.
* The United Nations can today fulfill its responsibilities to make sure that 11 years of defiance do not go unanswered. The UN resolution is a statement of intent to disarm Saddam Hussein once and for all.
* Saddam Hussein is a threat to his country, to people in his region, and to the world. For the sake of peace, America has an obligation to lead. If Saddam won't disarm, we will lead an international coalition to disarm him.
* War is not the first choice but the last. Nevertheless, it is an option in order to make the world a more peaceful place. It's up to Saddam Hussein, however, to make that choice.
* America has never sought to conquer, but to liberate. The Iraqi people can have a better life than they have now. There are alternatives to a dictator willing to rape and mutilate and murder in order to stay in power.

11/9/02 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/11/20021109-2.html
Global Message
KEY POINTS
* The United Nations Security Council has met important responsibilities, upheld its principles and given clear and fair notice that Saddam Hussein must fully disclose and destroy any weapons of mass destruction.
* Saddam must submit to any and all methods to verify his compliance, and his cooperation must be prompt and unconditional, or he will face the severest consequences.
* The world has now come together to say the outlaw regime in Iraq will not be permitted to build or possess chemical, biological or nuclear weapons. The world must insist that that judgment be enforced.
* Any Iraqi noncompliance is serious, because such bad faith will show that Iraq has no intention of disarming. If we're to avert war, all nations must continue to pressure Saddam Hussein to accept this resolution and to comply with its obligations and his obligations.
* In fighting a war on terror, we are determined to oppose every source of catastrophic harm that threatens our country, our friends, and our allies. And we oppose a uniquely dangerous regime that has harbored terrorists and can supply terrorists with weapons of mass destruction.
* The time has come for the Iraqi people to escape oppression, find freedom and live in hope. In confronting this threat, America seeks the support of the world. If action becomes necessary, we will act in the interests of the Iraqi people and the world.

11/13/02 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/11/20021113-16.html
Global Message
KEY POINTS
* The international community is speaking with one voice, and the United Nations is living up to its founding purpose.
* Security Council nations worked hard to meet each other's concerns. 15 nations agreed on a strong, principled resolution that makes clear what the Iraqi regime must do to meet its obligations to the international community.
* The Security Council reconfirmed that Iraq has been and remains in material breach of its international obligations and reminds Iraq that there will be serious consequences for any additional breach.
* Iraq has repeatedly demonstrated that it only complies when faced with strong resolve. This resolution gives the Iraqi regime one last chance to avoid conflict.
* The new UN inspection mandate will test whether the Iraqi regime has made a strategic shift and decided to give up its WMD.
* The goal is simple: to fully and finally end Iraq's illegal weapons programs. Any and all non-compliance by the regime will be very serious, and treated as such.
* To avoid conflict, the international community must continue to stand together. Standing together, we will remove this common threat to the peace of the world.

11/14/02 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/11/20021114-17.html
Global Message
KEY POINTS
* The Iraqi regime says it has agreed to cooperate and comply with the UN resolution. We have heard this before, and now it is time to judge their actions.
* The international community is speaking with one voice, and the United Nations is living up to its founding purpose.
* Security Council nations worked hard to meet each other's concerns. Fifteen nations agreed on a strong, principled resolution that makes clear what the Iraqi regime must do to meet its obligations to the international community.
* The Security Council reconfirmed that Iraq has been and remains in material breach of its international obligations and reminds Iraq that there will be serious consequences for any additional breach.
* Iraq has repeatedly demonstrated that it only complies when faced with strong resolve. This resolution gives the Iraqi regime one last chance to avoid conflict.
* The goal is simple: to fully and finally end Iraq's illegal weapons programs. Any and all non-compliance by the regime will be very serious, and will be treated as such.

11/15/02 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/11/20021115-9.html
Global Message
KEY POINTS
* The international community is speaking with one voice, and the United Nations is living up to its founding purpose.
* Security Council nations worked hard to meet each others' concerns. Fifteen nations agreed on a strong, principled resolution that makes clear what the Iraqi regime must do to meet its obligations to the international community.
* This resolution is the final test of Saddam's willingness to disarm and end his twenty-year quest for weapons of mass destruction.
* The Security Council reconfirmed that Iraq has been and remains in material breach of its international obligations and reminds Iraq that there will be serious consequences for any additional breach.
* The goal is simple: to fully and finally end Iraq's illegal weapons programs. Any and all non-compliance by the regime will be very serious, and will be treated as such.

12/3/02 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/12/20021203-6.html
Global Message
KEY POINTS
* As UN weapons inspections begin, inspections will only work if Iraq fully complies. The responsibility of inspectors is simply to confirm the evidence of voluntary and total disarmament.
* Saddam Hussein has the responsibility to provide the evidence as directed and in full. The United States will be making one judgment: Has Saddam Hussein decided to cooperate willingly and comply completely, or has he not?
* On or before the 8th of December, Iraq must provide a full and accurate declaration of its weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs. That declaration must be credible and complete, or the Iraqi dictator will have demonstrated to the world once again that he has chosen not to change his behavior.
* The UN Security Council, the NATO Alliance and the United States are united. Saddam Hussein will fully disarm himself of weapons of mass destruction. And if he does not, the United States will lead a coalition to do so.

12/11/02 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/12/20021211-10.html
Global Message
KEY POINTS
* Disarming the Iraqi regime is a central commitment of the war on terror. We must prevent terrorist groups and outlaw regimes from threatening the American people with catastrophic harm.
* For more than a decade, Saddam Hussein has consistently and systematically violated his obligations to the world and undermined UN inspections. And he only admitted to a massive biological weapons program after being confronted with the evidence.
* As the new inspections process proceeds, the United States will be making only one judgment: Has Saddam Hussein changed his behavior of the last 11 years and decided to cooperate willingly and comply completely, or has he not?
* Thus far we are not seeing the fundamental shift in practice and attitude that the world is demanding. Iraq's letters to the UN regarding inspections show that their attitude is grudging and conditional. And in recent days, Iraq has fired on American and British pilots enforcing the UN's no-fly zone.
* Iraq was required by the UN to provide a full and accurate declaration of its weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs. We will judge the declaration's honesty and completeness only after we have thoroughly examined it.
* The UN Security Council and the United States have told Saddam Hussein, the game is over. Saddam Hussein will fully disarm himself of weapons of mass destruction, and if he does not, America will lead a coalition to disarm him.
* War is the last option for confronting threats. Yet the temporary peace of denial and looking away from danger would only be a prelude to a broader war and greater horror. By showing our resolve today, we are building a future of peace.

12/18/02 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/12/20021218-10.html
Global Message
KEY POINTS
* Disarming the Iraqi regime is a central commitment of the war on terror. We must prevent terrorist groups and outlaw regimes from threatening the American people with catastrophic harm.
* As the new inspections process proceeds, the United States will be making only one judgment: Has Saddam Hussein changed his behavior of the last 11 years and decided to cooperate willingly and comply completely, or has he not?
* Thus far we are not seeing the fundamental shift in practice and attitude that the world is demanding. Iraq's letters to the UN regarding inspections show that their attitude is grudging and conditional. And in recent days, Iraq has fired on American and British pilots enforcing the UN's no-fly zone.
* Iraq was required by the UN to provide a full and accurate declaration of its weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs. As Secretary Powell has said, there are problems with the declaration. We will be sharing our thoughts on this in greater detail later this week.

1/18/03 #
NOTE: The rhetoric increased to sell the war at this point, but this global message was buried on official White House site. Contains the following anomalies: Correct talking points from this time period, but it is not linked on White House Global Messages Archive, the dated release is February 24, 2004, and the URL is filed under a release date of July 9, 2003
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/07/20030709-33.html
WEEKEND EDITION January 18, 2003
KEY POINTS
* The United Nations Security Council found Iraq in continuing material breach of its obligations and made clear this was Iraq's final opportunity to comply. We are very far from that point today.
* The chemical warheads found by United Nations inspectors were not on the declared list of weapons submitted by Iraq just one month ago. The fact that Iraq is in possession of undeclared chemical warheads, which the UN says are in excellent condition, is troubling and serious.
* Under the UN resolution, Saddam Hussein has an obligation to disarm. It is becoming increasingly clear that he is not doing so.
* Time is running out on Iraq's chance to disarm peacefully. We know what a genuine effort to disarm looks like. We have seen it, for example, in South Africa's renunciation of nuclear arms and the dismantlement of its program.
* What we are seeing from Iraq is not disarmament, but dissembling. The UN must not veer off the course unanimously agreed on November 8. Immediate action is required by Iraq or those who seek to uphold UN mandates will be forced to act.
* The President is continuing to work and consult with our allies. The inspectors are doing their job, but it is not the inspectors' obligation to provide verifiable evidence of disarmament. That is Iraq's responsibility.
* The use of military force is America's last option. Yet if force becomes necessary to secure our country and to keep the peace, America will act deliberately, America will act decisively, and America will prevail.

1/24/03 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/01/20030124-16.html
Global Message
KEY POINTS
* For 12 years, the international community has insisted that Saddam Hussein's regime disarm. This was most recently reiterated by a unanimous UN Security Council vote on November 8, 2002.
* Genuine disarmament can only be accomplished through the willing cooperation of the Iraqi regime. So far we have seen few if any signs that the Iraqi regime has made a strategic decision to disarm, and many signs that it has not.
* When a country decides to disarm, there are three common elements to its behavior:
* The decision to disarm is made at the highest political level;
* The regime puts in place national initiatives to dismantle weapons and infrastructure;
* The regime fully cooperates with international efforts to implement and verify disarmament.
* Iraq's behavior contrasts sharply with successful disarmament stories. Instead of cooperation and transparency, Iraq has chosen to concealment and deceit best exemplified by a 12,000 page declaration which is far from "currently accurate, full, and complete," as required by the UN Security Council.

1/28/03 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/01/20030128-26.html
Global Message
KEY POINTS
* Eighty days ago, on November 8, in a historic display of unity, the UN Security Council gave Iraq a final opportunity to voluntarily disarm.
* The purpose of UN Resolution 1441 was disarmament. Inspections are a means to an end and they cannot be expected to succeed when a country has an active program of denial and deception, as is the case with Iraq.
* For 11 years before Resolution 1441, Saddam Hussein's regime refused to make the strategic and political decision to disarm itself of WMD. To this day, the regime continues to defy the will of the international community.
* There is an entire state apparatus in Iraq whose sole purpose is to obstruct the inspections. Inspectors are outnumbered by minders, sometimes by as many as five-to-one, each time they head out on a mission.

1/31/03 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/01/20030131-14.html
Global Message
KEY POINTS
* The gravest danger we face in the war on terror is outlaw regimes that seek and possess nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.
* The UN and U.S. intelligence sources have known for some time that Saddam Hussein has materials to produce chemical and biological weapons, but he has not accounted for them, nor has he accounted for almost 30,000 munitions capable of delivering chemical agents.
* Thousands of Iraqi security personnel are at work hiding documents and materials from the UN inspectors. Iraqi officials accompany all inspectors in order to intimidate witnesses, and Saddam Hussein has ordered that scientists who cooperate with the UN be killed, along with their families.
* Saddam Hussein aids and protects terrorists, including al-Qaida members. He could provide hidden weapons to terrorists or help them develop their own. It would take just one vial, one canister, one crate slipped into our country to bring a day of horror like none we have ever known.
* The United States will ask the UN Security Council to convene next week to consider the facts of Iraq's ongoing defiance of the world. We will consult. But if Saddam Hussein does not disarm, we will act for the safety of our people, and for the peace of the world.

2/4/03 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/02/20030204-17.html
Global Message
KEY POINTS
* We are in the final phase of the 12 year effort to disarm Saddam Hussein.
* The gravest danger we face is outlaw regimes that sponsor terror and possess or seek weapons of mass destruction.
* As part of the cease-fire agreement at the end of the Gulf War in 1991, Saddam was required to declare and destroy all his weapons of mass destruction.
* For over a decade, Saddam has consistently flouted these obligations. Eight weeks have now passed since Saddam was given his final chance. Six hundred weeks have passed since he was given his first chance.
* The UN and U.S. intelligence sources have known for some time that Saddam Hussein has materials to produce chemical and biological weapons, but he has not accounted for them, nor has he accounted for almost 30,000 munitions capable of delivering chemical agents.
* Thousands of Iraqi security personnel are at work hiding documents and materials from the UN inspectors. Iraqi officials accompany all inspectors in order to intimidate witnesses, and Saddam Hussein has ordered that scientists who cooperate with the UN be killed, along with their families.
* Saddam Hussein aids and protects terrorists. Al-Qaida members are known to have been in Iraq. He could provide hidden weapons to terrorists or help them develop their own. It would take just one vial, one canister, one crate slipped into our country to bring a day of horror like none we have ever known.
* The United States has asked the UN Security Council to convene this week to consider the facts of Iraq's ongoing defiance of the world. We will consult. But if Saddam Hussein does not disarm, we will act for the safety of our people, and for the peace of the world.

2/8/03 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/02/20030208-3.html
Global Message
Key Points from the President's Remarks on Iraq 2-6-03
* The Iraqi regime's violations of Security Council resolutions are evident, and they continue to this hour. The regime has never accounted for a vast arsenal of deadly biological and chemical weapons, and is pursuing an elaborate campaign to conceal its weapons materials, and to hide or intimidate key experts and scientists.
* This deception is directed from the highest levels of the Iraqi regime, including Saddam Hussein, his son, the Vice President, and the very official responsible for cooperating with inspectors.
* Sources tell us Saddam Hussein recently authorized Iraqi field commanders to use chemical weapons - the very weapons the dictator tells the world he does not have.
* The same terrorist network operating out of Iraq is responsible for the recent murder of an American diplomat, Laurence Foley. The same network has plotted terrorism against France, Spain, Italy, Germany, the Republic of Georgia, and Russia, and was caught producing poisons in London. The danger Saddam Hussein poses reaches across the world.
* Saddam Hussein was given a final chance; he is throwing that chance away. The Security Council must show whether its words have any meaning. Having made its demands, the Security Council must not back down, when those demands are defied and mocked by a dictator.
* The United States would welcome and support a new resolution which makes clear that the Security Council stands behind its previous demands. Yet resolutions mean little without resolve. And the United States, along with a growing coalition of nations, is resolved to take whatever action is necessary to defend ourselves and disarm the Iraqi regime.
* On September 11, 2001, America saw what terrorists could do by turning four airplanes into weapons. We will not wait to see what terrorists or terrorist states could do with chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear weapons.
* Saddam Hussein has made Iraq into a prison, a poison factory, and a torture chamber for patriots and dissidents. He has the motive, means, recklessness and hatred to threaten the American people. Saddam Hussein will be stopped.

2/11/03 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/02/20030211-16.html
Global Message
KEY POINTS
* The Iraqi regime's violations of Security Council resolutions are evident, and they continue. The regime has never accounted for a vast arsenal of deadly biological and chemical weapons, and is pursuing an elaborate campaign to conceal its weapons materials, and to hide or intimidate key experts and scientists.
* This deception is directed from the highest levels of the Iraqi regime, including Saddam Hussein, his son, the Vice President, and the very official responsible for cooperating with inspectors.
* Sources tell us Saddam Hussein recently authorized Iraqi field commanders to use chemical weapons - the very weapons the dictator tells the world he does not have.
* The same terrorist network operating out of Iraq is responsible for the recent murder of an American diplomat. This network has plotted terrorism against France, Spain, Italy, Germany, the Republic of Georgia, Russia, and was caught producing poisons in London. The danger of weapons of mass destruction reaches across the world.
* Saddam Hussein was given a final chance; he is throwing that chance away. The Security Council must show whether its words have any meaning. Having made its demands, the Security Council must not back down, when those demands are defied and mocked by a dictator.
* The United States would welcome and support a new resolution which makes clear that the Security Council stands behind its previous demands. Yet resolutions mean little without resolve. The United States, along with a growing coalition of nations, is will take whatever action is necessary to defend ourselves and disarm the Iraqi regime.
* On September 11, 2001, America saw what terrorists could do by turning four airplanes into weapons. We will not wait to see what terrorists or terrorist states could do with chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear weapons.
* The people of Iraq are not our enemies. The true enemy of the Iraqi people is Saddam Hussein, and they have suffered long enough under this tyrant. And the Iraqi people can be certain the United States is committed to helping them build a better future. If conflict occurs, America will bring Iraq food, medicine, supplies and, most importantly, freedom.
2/13/03 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/02/20030213-17.html
Global Message
KEY POINTS
* The Iraqi regime's violations of Security Council resolutions are evident, and they continue. The regime has never accounted for a vast arsenal of deadly biological and chemical weapons, and is pursuing an elaborate campaign to conceal its weapons materials, and to hide or intimidate key experts and scientists.
* Saddam Hussein was given a final chance; he is throwing that chance away. The Security Council must show whether its words have any meaning. Having made its demands, the Security Council must face up to the challenges before it. Its responsibilities did not end with passage of Resolution 1441, but only began.
* On September 11, 2001, America saw what terrorists could do by turning four airplanes into weapons. We will not wait to see what terrorists or terrorist states could do with chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons.
* The people of Iraq are not our enemies. The true enemy of the Iraqi people is Saddam Hussein, and they have suffered long enough under this tyrant. And the Iraqi people can be certain the United States is committed to helping them build a better future. If conflict occurs, America will bring Iraq food, medicine, supplies and, most importantly, freedom.
* We seek an Iraq that is democratic, unified, multi-ethnic, which has no weapons of mass destruction, no links to terrorists, and is at peace with its neighbors.
* If we must take military action, we will demonstrate that we want to liberate, not occupy Iraq or control its economic resources, and would safeguard the territorial unity of Iraq.
* Iraq's oil belongs to all of the Iraqi people and any action taken in this area is solely for their benefit. We will work to protect and preserve Iraq's oil sector, and will support Iraqi efforts to restore production if it is cut off.
* We would begin the process of economic and political reconstruction, helping to put Iraq on the path to prosperity and freedom, and would stay as long as is necessary to do this, not one day more.
* In a military conflict, an immediate objective will be humanitarian assistance to civilians. Food, medicine, water and fuel will be restored. People who have fled their home in fear will be cared for.

2/17/03 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/02/20030217.html
Global Message
KEY POINTS
* America is an active member of institutions that come together for the purposes of peace, mutual security, and to stand together against those nations that threaten their neighbors.
* UN Resolution 1441 is not about inspections. It recognizes Iraq has been in material breach of its obligations for the past 11 years and that Iraq must come into compliance and disarm.
* The few results we've gotten from Iraq occurred only because the UN Security Council showed determination and seriousness.
* Yet to this day, we have not seen the level of cooperation that was expected or hoped for. Inspectors are still being minded, watched, and bugged, and do not have the freedom of access around Iraq they need to do their job well.
* We have not had a complete, accurate declaration. If Iraq was serious in this matter, they would give the world all the evidence needed that their weapons of mass destruction are gone. But questions remain about the unaccounted for anthrax, botulinum, VX, growth media, and 30,000 chemical and biological munitions.
* These are not responsible actions by Iraq, but efforts to deceive, deny, divert, and to throw us off the path. More inspections and a longer inspection period will not move us away from the central problem we are facing: Iraq has failed to comply.
* Iraq's continued noncompliance requires the Security Council to begin to think through the consequences of walking away from this problem, or the reality that we have to face this problem. The security of the region, the hopes for the people of Iraq themselves, and our security rests upon meeting our responsibilities and, if it comes to it, invoking the serious consequences called for in 1441.

2/18/03 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/02/20030218-7.html
Global Message
KEY POINTS
* The UN Security Council and all nations in the world have a responsibility to see that Saddam Hussein's regime is disarmed, and that the will of the international community is enforced.
* We must decide to confront the gravest security challenge of our time: the nexus between outlaw regimes, the proliferation of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons, and spread of global terror.
* The United Nations is the most important international and multilateral institution in the world. We all have a responsibility to strengthen, and not weaken, it.
* Twelve years of sanctions and inspections have not stopped Saddam quest for chemical, biological and nuclear weapons.
* The outlaw Iraqi regime's chemical and biological weapons stockpiles, its continued pursuit of nuclear weapons and its ties to global terrorists are a threat to the US, our allies and friends and to the Iraqi people.
* The Iraqi regime has not decided to disarm. What we heard from the inspectors on Friday was that the Iraqis have taken some superficial, process-oriented steps - like Saddam Hussein's decree "banning" WMD. But that does not amount to a strategic decision to disarm.
* More inspections, or more inspectors, will do no good unless Iraq makes the decision to disarm. Dr. Blix himself has said that lack of inspectors is not the problem, lack of Iraqi compliance is the problem.
* The UNSC must rise to the challenge posed by Saddam Hussein's regime. The UNSC must choose to be relevant - it must act to enforce not just 1441, but all 17 resolutions that the Iraqi regime continues to defy.
* Freedom-loving nations are determined that Iraq will be disarmed - one way or another, sooner rather than later.
* The President will continue to consult members of Congress, our allies and friends and the UNSC during this final, diplomatic phase.

2/25/03 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/02/20030225-18.html
Global Message - KEY POINTS
* The future of peace depends on the disarmament of Iraq. Saddam Hussein continues to be in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1441 and the terms of that resolution must be fully respected.
* The Security Council has taken a clear stand, and it now faces a clear choice. With all the world watching, the Council will now show whether it means what it says.
* The US, the UK, and Spain introduced a new Security Council resolution that says in clear and simple terms that Iraq is not complying with Resolution 1441. This is not a second resolution on Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, it is the 18th in a long series of resolutions going back 12 years.
* During these final deliberations, there is but one question for the Council to address: is Saddam Hussein complying with Resolution 1441? That resolution did not call for hints of progress or minor concessions, but demanded full and immediate disarmament.
* We will not allow the Iraqi dictator, with a history of aggression and close ties to terrorist groups, to continue to possess or produce weapons of mass destruction

2/28/03 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/02/20030228-17.html
Global Message
Key Points from the President's Remarks on Iraq and the Middle East, 2-26-03
* The danger posed by Saddam Hussein and his weapons cannot be ignored or wished away. We hope the Iraqi regime will meet the demands of the UN and disarm, fully and peacefully. If it does not, we are prepared to disarm Iraq by force.
* Acting against this danger will also contribute greatly to the long term safety and stability of the Middle East and the world.
* The first to benefit from a free Iraq would be the Iraqi people themselves. Their lives and freedom matter little to Saddam Hussein, but matter greatly to us. If we must use force, the United States and our allies stand ready to help the citizens of a liberated Iraq.
* Rebuilding Iraq will require a sustained commitment from many nations, including our own: We will remain in Iraq as long as necessary, and not a day more. The nation of Iraq - with its proud heritage, abundant resources, and skilled, educated people - is fully capable of achieving democracy and living in freedom.
* Success in Iraq will deprive terrorist networks of a wealthy patron that pays for terrorist training, and other regimes will be given clear warning that support for terror will not be tolerated.
* The United States and other countries continue to work on a roadmap for peace. Success in Iraq could begin a new stage for Middle East peace, and set in motion progress towards a truly democratic Palestine.
* A Palestinian state must be reformed and peaceful and abandon forever the use of terror.
* For its part, the new government of Israel - as security improves - will be expected to support the creation of a Palestinian state and work toward a final status agreement, and settlement activity must end.
* And the Arab states will be expected to meet their responsibilities to oppose terrorism, support the emergence of a peaceful and democratic Palestine, and state clearly that they will live in peace with Israel.

3/6/03 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/03/20030306-10.html
Global Message on Iraq
* Continuing to deceive
* Inspections not working
* Concessions are not compliance
United Nations Resolution 1441 was meant to end 12 years of lies and manipulation. Nothing we have seen since the passage of 1441 indicates that Iraq has decided to disarm or decided to actively,unconditionally, and immediately cooperate with the inspectors.
Intelligence from multiple sources shows that Iraq is continuing efforts to deceive inspectors by moving weapons of mass destruction material around the country to avoid detection. Baghdad is also working to discredit intelligence information being provided to the inspection teams by the United States and our allies.
The inspections are not working. Dribbling out of a warhead here, a missile there, may give the appearance of disarmament, but it is not reducing Saddam's capabilities. It is not eliminating the threat. He gives a little to save a lot, but we've caught on to this game.
Iraq has had more than a decade to decide to disarm. Iraq could have made the decision on November 8 when 1441 was passed. It could make the decision today.
Process is not performance. Concessions are not compliance. Destroying a handful of missiles is not disarmament. Saddam Hussein is betting that his contempt for the will of the Security Council is stronger than our collective resolve. Division among us will only convince Saddam that he is right.
If Saddam leaves us no choice but to disarm him by force, the United States and our coalition partners will do our utmost to minimize the loss of civilian life, meet the humanitarian needs of the Iraqi people, and take responsibility for the post-war stabilization of the country.
We want an Iraq whose people are free from fear and can look to the future with hope. The hard work of rehabilitation and reconstruction will begin at the first possible moment, but our collective, long-term commitment to Iraq will be our efforts to help the Iraqi people build a unified Iraq that does not pose a threat to international peace and a welcome presence among nations.

3/7/03 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/03/20030307-12.html
Global Message
This has been an important week on two fronts in the war on terror:
We captured the mastermind of the September 11th attacks, Khalid Shaikh Mohammed.
We have arrived at an important moment in confronting the threat posed by Saddam Hussein and his weapons of terror.
Friday, the UN Security Council will receive an update from the chief weapons inspector. The world needs him to answer a single question: Has the Iraqi regime fully and unconditionally disarmed, or has it not?
Iraq's dictator has made a public show of destroying a few missiles. Yet our intelligence shows that even as he is destroying these, he has ordered the continued production of the very same type of missiles.
Iraqi operatives continue to hide biological and chemical agents to avoid detection by inspectors, and we know from multiple intelligence sources that Iraqi weapons scientists continue to be threatened with harm should they cooperate with UN inspectors.
If the Iraqi regime were disarming, we would know it because we would see it. Token gestures are not acceptable. The only acceptable outcome is the one already defined by a unanimous vote of the Security Council: total disarmament.
Saddam Hussein possesses weapons of terror, and provides funding, training, and safe haven to terrorists who would willingly use weapons of mass destruction. If the world fails to confront the threat posed by the Iraqi regime, free nations would assume immense and unacceptable risks.
In the event of conflict, America accepts our responsibility to protect innocent lives in every way possible. We will bring food and medicine to the Iraqi people, and will help that nation to build a just government after decades of brutal dictatorship. The form and leadership of that government is for the Iraqi people to choose.
Across the world, and in every part of America, people of good will are hoping and praying for peace. Our goal is peace - for our Nation, for our friends and allies, and for the people of the Middle East. The cause of peace will be advanced only when the terrorists lose a wealthy patron and protector when Saddam Hussein is fully and finally disarmed.

3/11/03 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/03/20030311-23.html
Global Message
Chief Weapons Inspector Hans Blix filed a document with the UN detailing 29 "clusters" of unresolved disarmament issues, covering chemical and biological weapons and the means to deliver them, including:
Undeclared UAV: Blix revealed the recent discovery of an undeclared Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.
Lists of WMD Personnel: According to Blix's report, "Iraq lists less than 132 'experts, specialists, and technicians'...as having worked in the entire chemical weapons program. UNMOVIC databases, on the other hand, indicate that over 325 individuals were engaged in chemical weapons related research or had responsible positions associated with agent production at [one facility] alone."
Anthrax: Blix's report states "UNMOVIC has credible information that the total quantity of BW agent in bombs, warheads, and in bulk at the time of the Gulf War was 7,000 liters more than declared by Iraq. This additional agent was most likely all anthrax. Based on all the available evidence the strong presumption is that about 10,000 liters of anthrax was not destroyed and may still exist."
16 weeks after the passage of 1441, the Iraqi regime has not complied and has not cooperated "immediately, unconditionally, and actively," as required by UN Resolution 1441. Iraq's recent gestures are nothing more than attempts to game the inspectors, split the international community, and sap its resolve.
Saddam Hussein possesses weapons of terror, and provides funding, training, and safe haven to terrorists who would willingly use weapons of mass destruction. If the world fails to confront the threat posed by the Iraqi regime, free nations would assume immense and unacceptable risks.
Saddam has had 12 years to disarm. The diplomatic window is closing. Security Council members must stand and be counted, and sometime this week we will call for a vote on the resolution. We are hopeful the members of the Security Council will live up to their obligations and vote to affirm and enforce UN Resolution 1441.

3/12/03 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/03/20030312-9.html
Global Message
This is a dangerous game that Saddam Hussein is playing - dangerous for the United States, for the region, and for the world.
Last November, the UNSC voted unanimously on resolution 1441, offering Iraq a final chance to make the strategic decision to disarm. Our hope was that by maintaining international unity and diplomatic pressure on the Iraqi regime, we would achieve peaceful disarmament.
Sadly, that unity has been broken and peaceful disarmament looks less and less likely.
Sixteen weeks after the passage of 1441 - and 12 years after the end of the Gulf War - the Iraqi regime has not complied and has not cooperated "immediately, unconditionally, and actively," as required by 1441.
Saddam Hussein has gotten the message that he can succeed at the dangerous games he's always played.
A vote against the 18th resolution is a vote for continuing the threat to peace and security posed by the Iraqi regime, and for the continued oppression of the Iraqi people.
The world faces many challenges today, and we need a strong UN Security Council - one whose words have meaning, and that has the will to enforce its own resolutions.
In many recent instances, the UN failed to act to prevent or reverse unfolding tragedy: Bosnia, Kosovo, and Rwanda
The world has a responsibility to address the gravest threat of our time - the nexus between rogue regimes, WMD and global terrorism - and President Bush is determined to do so, with or without the United Nations.

3/14/03 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/03/20030314-1.html
Global Message 3/14/03
Last November, the UNSC voted unanimously on resolution 1441, offering Iraq a final chance to make the strategic decision to disarm. Our hope was that by maintaining international unity and diplomatic pressure on the Iraqi regime, we would achieve peaceful disarmament.
Sadly, that unity has been broken and peaceful disarmament looks less and less likely.
Sixteen weeks after the passage of 1441 - and 12 years after the end of the Gulf War - the Iraqi regime has not complied and has not cooperated "immediately, unconditionally, and actively," as required by 1441.
Saddam Hussein has gotten the message that he can succeed at the dangerous games he's always played.
The world faces many challenges today, and we need a strong UN Security Council - one whose words have meaning, and that has the will to enforce its own resolutions.
The world has a responsibility to address the gravest threat of our time - the nexus between rogue regimes, WMD and global terrorism - and President Bush is determined to do so, with or without the United Nations.

3/15/03 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/03/20030315-1.html
Global Message
KEY POINTS Middle East Peace
* President Bush is committed to achieving the vision of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security, as he spelled out in his speech last June.
* All parties - the Israelis, the Palestinians, and the Arab states - have responsibilities to work to achieve this vision.
* Working with members of the Quartet last year - officials from the US, the EU, Russia, and the UN - we developed a Roadmap meant to set forth the steps needed to realize the President's vision.
* President Bush announced Friday that he is prepared to deliver the Roadmap to the parties, Israeli and Palestinian, as soon as the Palestinians create an empowered Prime Minister position and fill it with a credible person.
* This is an auspicious time for peace in the Middle East. A new Israeli government is in place. And the Palestinians may be on the verge of implementing important reforms.
* Aiding Palestinians reform will encourage the development of democratic institutions, modernization, and prosperity in the region.

3/16/03 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/03/20030316-4.html
Global Message
SPECIAL EDITION - REMEMBERING HALABJA
KEY POINTS
* This weekend, we remember the victims of Saddam Hussein's heinous chemical weapons attack on the people of Halabja, a city in northern Iraqi, and other villages attacked in the Al-Anfal campaign.
* On March 16, 1988, the Iraqi air force dropped a devastating mix of mustard and nerve gas on citizens in this city - 5,000 were killed immediately, several thousand died later, and an estimated 10,000 people are maimed or still suffering the effects of this attack.
* Iraq arms itself to threaten the peace of the world, posing a grave danger through its pursuit of weapons of mass destruction and its willingness to use them.
* Saddam Hussein must never be allowed to use weapons of mass destruction again. The international community demands that the Iraqi regime disclose and destroy the mustard gas and nerve agents used at Halabja and all other weapons of mass destruction, weapons programs, and delivery systems.
* Our thoughts and prayers are with those who lost loved ones in the Halabja attack and the thousands who still suffer the debilitating effects of the chemical weapons attack.
* The totalitarian nature of this regime limits the world's current knowledge of Saddam's brutality. Defectors tell horrific stories of torture and fear for their lives. We must not forget the attacks at Halabja or Al-Anfal even as we press for the regime's disarmament.

3/17/03 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/03/20030317-10.html
Global Message
All the decades of deceit and cruelty have now reached an end."
- President George W. Bush, March 17, 2003
Events in Iraq Have Now Reached the Final Days of Decision. the Iraqi Regime has used diplomacy as a ploy. Peaceful efforts to disarm the Iraqi regime have failed because we are not dealing with peaceful men.
* The Iraqi regime continues to conceal some of the most lethal weapons ever devised. It has used weapons of mass destruction. It has a history of reckless aggression and a deep hatred for America and our friends. And it has aided terrorists, including al-Qaida. Using chemical, biological, or one day, nuclear weapons, obtained with the help of Iraq, terrorists could kill thousands, or more.
* The United States and other nations did nothing to deserve or invite this threat, but we will do everything to defeat it. Under UN Resolutions 678 and 687 - both still in effect - we are authorized to use force in ridding Iraq of weapons of mass destruction. This is not a question of authority; it is a question of will.
* On November 8th, the Security Council unanimously passed Resolution 1441, finding Iraq in material breach and vowing serious consequences if Iraq did not fully and immediately disarm. Today, no nation claims that Iraq has disarmed.
* Some permanent members of the Security Council announced they will veto any resolution that compels disarmament. The Security Council has not lived up to its responsibilities - so we will rise to ours.
* In recent days, some governments in the Middle East have delivered messages urging the dictator to leave Iraq, so that disarmament can proceed peacefully.
Saddam Hussein and his sons must leave Iraq within 48 hours. Their refusal to do so will result in military conflict.
* In a free Iraq, there will be no more wars of aggression against neighbors...no more poison factories...no more executions of dissidents...no more torture chambers and rape rooms.
* Iraqi military units will receive clear instructions on how they can avoid being attacked. I urge them: If war comes, do not fight for a dying regime that is not worth your own life. Do not destroy oil wells, a source of wealth that belongs to the Iraqi people. Do not obey use weapons of mass destruction.
* Should Saddam Hussein choose confrontation, the American people can know every measure has been taken to avoid war - and every measure will be taken to win it.
* If Saddam Hussein attempts to cling to power, he will remain a deadly foe until the end. In desperation, he and terrorist groups might try to conduct terrorist operations.
* We are acting to protect our homeland. Should enemies strike our country, they would be attempting to shift our attention with panic, and weaken our morale with fear. In this, they would fail. We are acting now because the risks of inaction would be far greater.
* The greatest power of freedom is to overcome hatred and violence, and turn the creative gifts of men and women to the pursuits of peace. Free nations have a duty to defend our people by uniting against the violent. America and our allies accept that responsibility.

3/19/03 #
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/03/20030319.html
Global Message
Events in Iraq have now reached the final days of decision. Peaceful efforts to disarm the Iraqi regime have failed because we are not dealing with peaceful men.
The Iraqi regime continues to conceal some of the most lethal weapons ever devised. It has used weapons of mass destruction. It has a history of reckless aggression and a deep hatred for America and our friends. And it has aided terrorists, including al-Qaida. Using chemical, biological, or one day, nuclear weapons, obtained with the help of Iraq, terrorists could kill thousands, or more.
The United States and other nations did nothing to deserve or invite this threat, but we will do everything to defeat it.
The UN Security Council unanimously passed Resolution 1441, finding Iraq in material breach and vowing serious consequences if Iraq did not fully and immediately disarm. Today, no nation claims that Iraq has disarmed.
Some permanent members of the Security Council announced they would veto any resolution that compels disarmament. The Security Council has not lived up to its responsibilities - so we will rise to ours.
Should Saddam Hussein choose confrontation, the American people can know every measure has been taken to avoid war - and every measure will be taken to win it.
In a free Iraq, there will be no more wars of aggression against neighbors...no more poison factories...no more executions of dissidents...no more torture chambers and rape rooms.
In desperation, Saddam Hussein and terrorist groups might try to conduct terrorist operations.
We are acting to protect our homeland. Should enemies strike our country, they would be attempting to shift our attention with panic, and weaken our morale with fear. In this, they would fail.
The greatest power of freedom is to overcome hatred and violence, and turn the creative gifts of men and women to the pursuits of peace. Free nations have a duty to defend our people by uniting against the violent. America and our allies accept that responsibility.