Analysis of Public Statements made by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld
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| The Bush Administration's Public Statements on Iraq |
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| Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld on Chemical and Biological Weapons: |
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| "Saddam Hussein possesses chemical and biological weapons." |
| Source: Donald Rumsfeld Addresses the Conference of Army Reserve Operators, Defense Department (1/20/2003). |
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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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| Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld on Chemical and Biological Weapons: |
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| "The problem with Iraq is chemical or biological weapons today . . . ." |
| Source: Donald Rumsfeld Holds Defense Department Briefing, Defense Department (1/7/2003). |
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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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| Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld on Nuclear Capabilities: |
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| "QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, the United States has categorically said that Iraq has an active . . . nuclear weapons program. SECRETARY RUMSFELD: Because they do." |
| Source: DoD News Briefing - Secretary Rumsfeld and Gen. Myers, Defense Department (12/3/2002). |
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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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| Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld on Al-Qaeda: |
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| "[T]here is no question but that there have been interactions between the Iraqi government, Iraqi officials, and al-Qaeda operatives. They have occurred over a span of some eight or ten years to our knowledge. There are currently al-Qaeda in Iraq." |
| Source: Secretary Rumsfeld Live Interview with Infinity CBS Radio, Infinity-CBS Radio (11/14/2002). |
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Explanation This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was providing support 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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| Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld on Chemical and Biological Weapons: |
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| "Well, we know that Saddam Hussein has chemical and biological weapons." |
| Source: Secretary Rumsfeld Live Interview with Infinity CBS Radio, Infinity-CBS Radio (11/14/2002). |
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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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