WASHINGTON – President Bush last night told the nation that America must act against Iraq because it poses a “unique” threat – and aides warned Saddam Hussein’s henchmen they’d better not strike back with weapons of mass destruction or they’ll face war crimes charges.
But Bush also sought to reassure Americans that military action isn’t “imminent or unavoidable,” saying he’s seeking support from Congress to help him rally the world to force Saddam to disarm.
On the day that marked the one-year anniversary of military action against terrorists in Afghanistan to retaliate for 9/11, Bush sought to make the case for why the war on terror must now target Iraq.
“The time for denying, deceiving and delaying has come to an end,” Bush said in a speech from heartland America in Cincinnati.
“Saddam Hussein must disarm himself – or, for the sake of peace, we will lead a coalition to disarm him.”
Ahead of the speech, Bush’s spokesman stepped up warnings to Saddam’s military commanders that they’d better not use chemical or biological weapons against U.S. and allied troops – or they’ll risk war crimes charges.
“The message to Iraqi commanders is think before you act,” said White House spokesman Ari Fleischer.
“You do not have to obey the orders Saddam Hussein gives you and the United States takes very seriously the criminal nature of these acts, particularly acts that would involve the use of chemical and biological weapons.”
To skeptics at home and abroad, the president offered his answers to the questions of why now and why Iraq, pointing to the danger that Saddam could deliver weapons of mass death – chemical, biological and someday soon nuclear – to terrorists.
“While there are many dangers in the world, the threat from Iraq stands alone – because it gathers the most serious dangers of our age in one place,” he said.
“By its past and present actions, by its technological capabilities, by the merciless nature of its regime, Iraq is unique.”
The president stressed America will lead a coalition – outside the United Nations if necessary – rather than going it alone. And he stressed that military action isn’t “unavoidable.”
Bush last night pointed to the resolution of support for a possible military strike now moving through Congress with growing bipartisan support and said it doesn’t mean war.
“Approving this resolution does not mean that military action is imminent or unavoidable,” he said.
“The resolution will tell the United Nations, and all nations, that America speaks with one voice and is determined to make the demands of the civilized world mean something.”
The speech came at a time when polls show the American people are fretting that the president isn’t paying enough attention to the struggling economy – the same problem that cost his dad re-election after the Gulf War against Iraq.
PRESIDENT BUSH ON IRAQ
“While there are many dangers in the world, the threat from Iraq stands alone – because it gathers the most serious dangers of our age in one place…By its past and present actions, by its technological capabilities, by the merciless nature of its regime, Iraq is unique.”
“The time for denying, deceiving, and delaying has come to an end. Saddam Hussein must disarm himself – or, for the sake of peace, we will lead a coalition to disarm him.”
“Approving this [congressional] resolution does not mean that military action is imminent or unavoidable. The resolution will tell the United Nations, and all nations, that America speaks with one voice and is determined to make the demands of the civilized world mean something.”