Do we know what involvement Joe Wilson had in Iraq War I?

[althecat]

Just read in the greatest thread aka http://www.theleftcoaster.com/archives/004870.php

"TALKING POINT: Joseph Wilson supported John Kerry.

FACT: So? He also supported Republicans in the past (before they turned on him and his wife, treasonously) and was recognized by George Bush Sr. for his bravery against Saddam Hussein in Iraq - where he was ambassador before Gulf War I. "

I may be a bit slow but this was the first I knew about that. As I recall didn't George HW pull a bit of a swifty on Saddam back then... tell him he could invade Kuwait and then throw a hissy fit an blow him to pieces?

Was Wilson ambassador IMMEDIATELY before Gulf War I or sometime earlier on?

Strikes me that either way Wilson has rather a lot of experience of bush mendacity. Does he talk about this background in his book?

[MajorFlaw]

1. IIRC, the US ambassador to Iraq prior to GW1 was April Glaspie.

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

2. She was recalled to Washington and Wilson was second in

command at the embassy in Baghdad. He stayed right up until the fireworks started. After the GWI was over, Bush I called him a "hero".

Google it, it you don't believe me.

[oldtime dfl_er]

3. it's the truth

In his book he recalls going to visit Hussein in the "last days", and how he was very careful not to smile during the photo op (lest photos get out that made him look like he was enjoying Hussein's company). The man is smart, and was/is an asset to his country.

http://www.cafepress.com/scarebaby/714748

[althecat]

5. ...what else does he say in the book about back then?

[althecat]

4. Thanks... well if that is the case then...

He must have known all about the "nod and the wink" job used to start the first Gulf War.

I.E. this little factoid sticks Wilson fairly firmly inside the House of Bush.

And in that case his perceived "betrayal" would have made him and his wife particularly loathsome to the * Admin.

Perhaps being involved in two efforts to lie America into unnecessary wars was a little too much for him.

Thanks for the answers.... I will cogitate some more...