Reply #26: Sorry It Took So Long To Respond

[DrFunkenstein]

Kerry had said that Bush Sr. should have taken more time to clarify his reasons for invasion, and worked to get the coalition together. Kerry said he was happy that the coalition did, in fact, come together, but he still stands by his votes.

Although the US was aware that Saddam had chemical weapons because 1) Saddam ended the Iran-Iraq war by threatening to use them, 2) Saddam became the first person to use chemical weapons on a large scale, laying waste to entire Kurdish cities within hours, and 3) the US helped Saddam develop the weapons (although the Europeans provided most of the actual material).

On the other hand, the US was completely shocked by the fact that Saddam had a nuclear program in the advanced stages. If Saddam hadn't invaded Kuwait (believing that we gave the green light), we would not have discovered this out until it was fully functioning.

After losing the war, Saddam hastily signed a peace resolution granting unfettered access. UNSCOM was formed, but throughout the 90's Saddam jerked them around more and more. Soon "Presidential" sites and "sensitive" sites were developed that UNSCOM could not inspect. UNSCOM was even held at gunpoint in one tense instance, and were forced to withdraw. During this period, new weaponized chemicals were discovered - but the information was downplayed by Russians eager to end sanctions and collect their $7 million in back payments.

In late 1998, UNSCOM evacuated before the bombings of Operation Desert Fox. No inspectors returned until after the IWR vote. Most intelligence suggeted that the chemical and biological programs had continued, and that Saddam was putting in place the building blocks for a renewed nuclear program.