"Fuck Saddam. We're taking him out" (Junior to Condi Rice, March 2002)

[Human Torch]

First Stop, Iraq

By Michael Elliott and James Carney
Story Tools

http://www.cnn.com/2003/ALLPOLITICS/03/24/timep.saddam.tm/index.html

How did the U.S. end up taking on Saddam? The inside story of how Iraq jumped to the top of Bush's agenda -- and why the outcome there may foreshadow a different world order

"Fuck Saddam. we're taking him out." Those were the words of President George W. Bush, who had poked his head into the office of National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice.

It was March 2002, and Rice was meeting with three U.S. Senators, discussing how to deal with Iraq through the United Nations, or perhaps in a coalition with America's Middle East allies. Bush wasn't interested. He waved his hand dismissively, recalls a participant, and neatly summed up his Iraq policy in that short phrase.

The Senators laughed uncomfortably; Rice flashed a knowing smile. The President left the room. A year later, Bush's outburst has been translated into action, as cruise missiles and smart bombs slam into Baghdad. But the apparent simplicity of his message belies the gravity at hand. Sure, the outcome is certain: America will win the war, and Saddam will be taken out. But what is unfolding in Iraq is far bigger than regime change or even the elimination of dangerous weapons.

http://www.cnn.com/2003/ALLPOLITICS/03/24/timep.saddam.tm/index.html

[tanyev]

1. "Sir? I don't recall reading that in my job description."

[TacticalPeek]

2. K&R

:kick: