Flashback - Dean on Iraq war September 4, 2002

[dkf]

http://rutlandherald.nybor.com/News/State/Story/52530.htm

Dean says Bush has not prepared U.S. for Iraq attack
September 4, 2002

By MIKE GLOVER The Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa — President Bush has not justified attacking Iraq, nor has he steeled the American people for the cost of that attack, Vermont Gov. Howard Dean said Wednesday.

snip

Once Bush has verified that Hussein has weapons of mass destruction, Dean said Bush needs to make his evidence public and then be clear about the consequences of an attack.

“He needs to be forthright with the American people about what this means,” said Dean. “If we go into Iraq, we’re going to have to stay for probably five or 10 years.”

He warned that simply deposing Hussein is not enough. The United States would have to plant the seeds of democracy in a country with little such tradition, he said.

“Americans are going to have to die and a lot of money is going to be spent,” said Dean.

snip

“The American people need to be told the truth up front,” said Dean. “It’s not going to Afghanistan and it’s not going to be the last Iraqi war. If we don’t stay there and remold the country into a democratic country, which will take 10 years, then it’s stupid to go in there.”

[liberalnurse]

1. Ans who say's he does not have Foreign Policy

experience.....well he was pretty damn insightful here!Dean is way ahead of the curve.

[jab105]

2. Way to go Dean!

I am impressed, he was right on!

[ModerateMiddle]

3. Dean on Iraq: 9/29/02

GLORIA BORGER, U.S. News & World Report: Governor, what exactly does the president then have to prove to you?

DEAN: I don't think he really has to prove anything. I think that most Americans, including myself, will take the president's word for it. But the president has never said that Saddam has the capability of striking the United States with atomic or biological weapons any time in the immediate future.

My question is not that we may not have to go into Iraq. We may very well have to go into Iraq. What is the rush? Why can't we take the time to get our allies on board? Why do we have to do everything in a unilateral way?

It's not good for the future of the foreign policy of this country to be the bully on the block and tell people we're going to do what we want to do.

We clearly have to defend the United States, and if we must do so unilaterally we will. But I think the time now is for getting the cooperation of the Security Council and our allies.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/09/30/ftn/printable523726.shtml