Analysis of Public Statements made by President George Bush
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| The Bush Administration's Public Statements on Iraq |
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| President George W. Bush on Nuclear Capabilities: |
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| "The regime has the scientists and facilities to build nuclear weapons, and is seeking the materials needed to do so." |
| Source: President, House Leadership Agree on Iraq Resolution, White House (10/2/2002). |
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Explanation This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its nuclear program. | | |
| The Bush Administration's Public Statements on Iraq |
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| President George W. Bush on Al-Qaeda: |
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| "The regime has longstanding and continuing ties to terrorist groups, and there are Al Qaida terrorists inside Iraq." |
| Source: George W. Bush Delivers Weekly Radio Address, White House (9/28/2002). |
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Explanation This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was linked to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an operational relationship. | | |
| The Bush Administration's Public Statements on Iraq |
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| President George W. Bush on Chemical and Biological Weapons: |
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| "The Iraqi regime possesses biological and chemical weapons." |
| Source: George W. Bush Delivers Weekly Radio Address, White House (9/28/2002). |
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Explanation This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its chemical warfare agent production facilities." | | |
| The Bush Administration's Public Statements on Iraq |
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| President George W. Bush on Nuclear Capabilities: |
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| "The regime is seeking a nuclear bomb, and with fissile material, could build one within a year." |
| Source: President Bush Discusses Iraq with Congressional Leaders, White House (9/26/2002). |
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Explanation This statement was misleading because it failed to provide the context that the U.S. intelligence community believed that Iraq probably would not be able to make a nuclear weapon until near the end of the decade. | | |
| The Bush Administration's Public Statements on Iraq |
|
| President George W. Bush on Chemical and Biological Weapons: |
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| "The Iraqi regime possesses biological and chemical weapons." |
| Source: President Bush Discusses Iraq with Congressional Leaders, White House (9/26/2002). |
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Explanation This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its chemical warfare agent production facilities." | | |
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