FACT: The al Qaeda of 2001 is based in Afghanistan and is regenerating — while U.S. forces are mired in Iraq’s civil war.

The source you cite for this dubious “fact” contains no such claim or statement. In fact, is there such a thing as even one report from anybody (even a newspaper) in the past 5 years that has claimed such a thing ?
No ? So you’re just lying then ?

What you fail to realize, is that Bush is only saying “has ties to organizations LIKE alkaida” or “imagine if alkaida had the weapons Saddam has” or “alkaida is in Iraq”

Comment by Mr. President © — July 20, 2007 @ 2:41 am

Ok Mr. President,

I am going to attempt to respond to your post because you actually made sense and have a made a logical point.

First, your claim is not completely accurate. The quotes that gorn diligently provided does not ONLY say that Sadaam has ties to organization LIKE Al Qaeda. He does in many quotes, but in many others, he says outright that he has DIRECT TIES TO AL Qaeda. NOT some unknown little group LIKE Al Qaeda.

Second, you are right that the exact words “[Hussein] played a role 9/11″; however, since he often and continually said (many times in the same speech) that Sadaam had direct and continuing ties (before, during, and after 9/11) to Al Qaeda AND Al Qaeda is responsible for 9/11, then by the transitive property Sadaam had a role in it. Essentially if Sadaam had a role in Al Qaeda, and Al Qaeda is FULLY responsible for 9/11, then Sadaam had a role in 9/11. By mentioning all three OVER AND OVER AGAIN in the same speeches – especially speeches regarding WHY WE ATTACKED IRAQ, he is intentionally making the connection.

Finally, every one of the statements concerning Sadaam, Iraq, and Al Qaeda is false and was known to be so before 2002 when most of these quotes were uttered. OUR OWN intelligence agencies were telling the president that a working relationship between Sadaam and Al Qaeda did not exist.

Please read my other post. The point is that they wanted us to believe there was a link when they knew otherwise. Because of their 30,000 or more of our troops physically suffering. Many more with non visible scars. In addition to the almost 4000 killed FOR A LIE

Stop splitting hairs and look at the intent. They wanted war with Iraq – they didn’t have good reason – they made these connections to justify it.

“The regime . . . has aided, trained and harbored terrorists, including operatives of al Qaeda. The danger is clear: using chemical, biological or, one day, nuclear weapons, obtained with the help of Iraq, the terrorists could fulfill their stated ambitions and kill thousands or hundreds of thousands of innocent people in our country, or any other.” President Says Saddam Hussein Must Leave Iraq Within 48 Hours, White House (3/17/2003) -BushOnIraq.com

“The liberation of Iraq is a crucial advance in the campaign against terror. We’ve removed an ally of al Qaeda, and cut off a source of terrorist funding. And this much is certain: No terrorist network will gain weapons of mass destruction from the Iraqi regime, because the regime is no more.” – President Bush Announces Major Combat Operations in Iraq Have Ended, White House (5/1/2003) – BushOnIraq.com

“The battle of Iraq is one victory in a war on terror that began on September the 11, 2001 — and still goes on. That terrible morning, 19 evil men — the shock troops of a hateful ideology — gave America and the civilized world a glimpse of their ambitions. They imagined, in the words of one terrorist, that September the 11th would be the ‘beginning of the end of America.’ By seeking to turn our cities into killing fields, terrorists and their allies believed that they could destroy this nation’s resolve, and force our retreat from the world. They have failed.” – President Bush Announces Major Combat Operations in Iraq Have Ended, White House (5/1/2003) – BushOnIraq.com

Only the most complete koolaid-slurping stooge can deny the FACT that Bush Administration rhetoric, from the start, INTENTIONALLY commingled Hussein, Al Queda, and 911, and used that propaganda to fuel the prevailing mood as cover for an unprovoked attack, conquest, and occupation of Iraq.

You can keep pressing the same talking points, propaganda, and Big Lie denials, but doing so here is a waste of your time. Ringo, nobody here will buy your garbage, so you’d do better to peddle it elsewhere.

And again, this is only a small sampling. There is oh, so much more, available to those with eyes to see and ears to listen.

“Before September the 11th, many in the world believed that Saddam Hussein could be contained. But chemical agents, lethal viruses, and shadowy terrorist networks are not easily contained. Imagine those 19 hijackers with other weapons and other planes — this time armed by Saddam Hussein. It would take one vial, one canister, one crate slipped into this country to bring a day of horror like none we have ever known.” – President Delivers “State of the Union”, White House (1/28/2003) – Whitehouse.gov

“Saddam Hussein has longstanding, direct and continuing ties to terrorist networks. Senior members of Iraqi intelligence and al Qaeda have met at least eight times since the early 1990s. Iraq has sent bomb-making and document forgery experts to work with al Qaeda. Iraq has also provided al Qaeda with chemical and biological weapons training. We also know that Iraq is harboring a terrorist network, headed by a senior al Qaeda terrorist planner.” – President Bush: “World Can Rise to This Moment”, White House (2/6/2003) – Whitehouse.gov

Saddam Hussein has longstanding, direct and continuing ties to terrorist networks. Senior members of Iraq intelligence and al Qaeda have met at least eight times since the early 1990s. Iraq has sent bomb-making and document forgery experts to work with al Qaeda. Iraq has also provided al Qaeda with chemical and biological weapons training. And an al Qaeda operative was sent to Iraq several times in the late 1990s for help in aquiring poisons and gases. We also know that Iraq is harboring a terrorist network headed by a senior al Qaeda terrorist planner.” – President’s Radio Address, White House (2/8/2003) – BushOnIraq.com

(Campaign speeches only. For period of October 10 – November 04.)

OCT 28 Remarks by the President at New Mexico Welcome
“This is a person who has had contacts with al Qaeda.”

OCT 28 Remarks by the President in Colorado Welcome
“He’s got connections with al Qaeda.”

OCT 31 Remarks by the President at South Dakota Welcome
“This is a guy who has had connections with these shadowy terrorist networks.”

NOV 01 Remarks by the President at New Hampshire Welcome
“We know he’s got ties with al Qaeda.”

NOV 02 Remarks by the President in Florida Welcome
“We know that he’s had connections with al Qaeda.”

NOV 02 Remarks by the President in Atlanta, Georgia Welcome
“He’s had connections with shadowy terrorist networks like al Qaeda.”

NOV 02 Remarks by the President at Tennessee Welcome
“We know that he has had contacts with terrorist networks like al Qaeda.”

NOV 03 Remarks by the President in Minnesota Welcome
“This is a man who has had contacts with al Qaeda.”

NOV 04 Remarks by the President at Missouri Welcome
“This is a man who has had al Qaeda connections.”

NOV 04 Remarks by the President at Arkansas Welcome
“He’s had contacts with al Qaeda.”

NOV 04 Remarks by the President in Texas Welcome
“This is a man who has got connections with al Qaeda.”

And the bit about al-Qaeda wanting us to leave Iraq… I’m not sure aobut this. They’re kind of in a win-win. If we stay, it’s great for recruiting and they can kill Americans without having to buy airline tickets. If we leave, they can claim they drove us out of Iraq. Besides the obvious strategic victory that would be, a successful resistance against a western power also helps recruitment. Then again, the majority Iraqi population will likely turn on al-Qaeda if we go, depriving them of any real strategic gains.

But either way, we should just be doing the opposite of what al-Qaeda wants us to do. $10 says they don’t want us to nuke the Masjid al-Haram during Ramadan. I think we can all agree that’s a bad idea.

“The regime has longstanding and continuing ties to terrorist groups, and there are Al Qaida terrorists inside Iraq.” – George W. Bush Delivers Weekly Radio Address, White House (9/28/2002) – BushOnIraq.com

“We know that Iraq and al Qaeda have had high-level contacts that go back a decade. Some al Qaeda leaders who fled Afghanistan went to Iraq. These include one very senior al Qaeda leader who received medical treatment in Baghdad this year, and who has been associated with planning for chemical and biological attacks. We’ve learned that Iraq has trained al Qaeda members in bomb-making and poisons and deadly gases.” – President Bush Outlines Iraqi Threat; Remarks by the President on Iraq, White House (10/7/2002) – Whitehouse.gov

“I think they’re both equally important, and they’re both dangerous. And as I said in my speech in Cincinnati, we will fight if need be the war on terror on two fronts. We’ve got plenty of capacity to do so. And I also mentioned the fact that there is a connection between al Qaeda and Saddam Hussein. The war on terror, Iraq is a part on the war on terror. And he must disarm.” – President Condems Attack in Bali, White House (10/14/2002) – Whitehouse.gov

“This is a man who has got connections with Al Qaida. Imagine a terrorist network with Iraq as an arsenal and as a training ground, so that a Saddam Hussein could use this shadowy group of people to attack his enemy and leave no fingerprint behind. He’s a threat.” – Remarks by the President in Texas Welcome, White House (11/4/2002) – Whitehouse.gov

“He’s a threat because he is dealing with Al Qaida. In my Cincinnati speech I reminded the American people, a true threat facing our country is that an Al Qaida-type network trained and armed by Saddam could attack America and leave not one fingerprint.” – President Outlines Priorities, White House (11/7/2002) – BushOnIraq.gov

“He’s had contacts with Al Qaida. Imagine the scenario where an Al Qaida-type organization uses Iraq as an arsenal, a place to get weapons, a place to be trained to use the weapons. Saddam Hussein could use surrogates to come and attack people he hates.” – Remarks by the President at Arkansas Welcome, White House (11/4/2002) – BushOnIraq.com

There are oh, so many more. Wake up.

Thank you for your support, it is nice to see people here who truly care about what our flag stands for – not just in preserving the cloth.

“If Saddam Hussein continues to provide aid and support to the enemies that struck us on 9/11 he will pay the ultimate price.”
G.W. Bush

Comment by Mr. President — July 19, 2007 @ 3:48 pm

Again, you miss the point. This is an OBVIOUS INTENTIONAL TIE to Iraq and Al Qaeda. This is more proof that Tony Snow is lying. Please see my other post to CT_V1 and others who insist on ignoring the facts.

I hope you take what I said to heart and begin to help restore this country to a world leader – NOT – world aggressor. When they come for you, there may not be any of us left to fight for you.

Sincerely,

Dan

Hows that you intellectually crippled, Psycho-Christian, ass-nugget trolls.

Comment by DanCaveman — July 19, 2007 @ 3:05 pm

Every now and then someone posts a comment on this site that makes me want to stand up and cheer. This is one of those moments.

Thank you very much for your service to this country, both during and after your time in the military.

The name calling is not what insults me. I didn’t start posting because my feelings were hurt. It is the message that truly insults me and all the service members – whether they support this occupation or not (most that I know don’t). They are more than willing to lay down their lives for this country; however, they are asked to risk everything. They have done MORE THAN THEIR SHARE. Meanwhile, those that are sitting in the comfort of their home, tirelessly banging on the war drums aren’t willing to give them a rest. They aren’t willing to sacrifice for a cause that they say is crucial to our survival.

This isn’t a game of Risk or Command and Conquer. There are 4-6 soldiers KILLED EVERY DAY and scores more being MUTILATED. They don’t have to luxury to sit behind a desk and shout for more blood, they are giving it.

There is plenty of proof displayed on this thread and the armchair warriors are content with parsing the quotes and missing the intent. Do you really think that this administration DID NOT INTEND for the American people to believe that Sadaam Hussein was involved in 9/11?

I don’t want an answer here because you have too much pride invested on this site; however, I would be very happy if you took a moment to look at the FACTS and arguments — on both sides. OBJECTIVELY ask yourself: who is selling something? Who is trying to scare you? I did and I have made my conclusions. I wake up everyday and wish I was wrong. I wish this was noble and justified. All I see is misdirection and misinformation.

You have the right to your opinion (at least for now), that is one of the things that make this country great; however, keep in mind that advocating this WAR as extremely urgent and necessary, but being unwilling to sacrifice when the military is short in number and being stressed beyond belief, is a slap in the face to everyone who is serving this country. Those who voluntarily serve have announced for decades that “you can sleep safely tonight, I am on watch”, but now when THEY need some assistance, you turn your back as you push them in front of the bus.

“Freedom is the flavor that the protected will never know” — UNKNOWN

The place where he errs is in not understanding how much an advantage a flexible and maleable organization has over an entrenched, monolithic organization in combat. Look at the americans and French in the French-Indian war. Look at the underground organizations in WW II (and like Al Q, it would be a fatal mistake to suppose all the underground freedom fighters were formally associated into one structure).

The second error is forgetting how much the populace hates an occupying army J(even if it behaves impeccably – which ours hasn’t) and how this spurs recruitment for the underground.

If the “al Qaeda of 2001 no longer exists”, then the Authorization for Military Force is a nullity.

Put another way: we won!! So any further military action at this point has NOT been authorized by Congress, and is illegal.

Am I right?