Skip to content
quotesby

Saddam Hussein's regime represents a grave threat to America and our allies, including our vital ally, Israel. For more than two decades, Saddam Hussein has sought weapons of mass destruction through every available means. We know that he has chemical and biological weapons. He has already used them against his neighbors and his own people, and is trying to build more. We know that he is doing everything he can to build nuclear weapons, and we know that each day he gets closer to achieving that goal.

John Edwards#7

PoliticsPolicySecurityThreatWar

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker claims Saddam Hussein poses a severe threat due to active pursuit and use of weapons of mass destruction.
In plain terms
Saddam Hussein is dangerous because he is building and using weapons.
What can you take from it?
Weapons of mass destruction require urgent attention.

Where it applies

  • policy debates
  • military briefings
  • international relations

Putting it to work

  • evaluate threats
  • plan defense
  • analyze intelligence

Questions to consider

  • How do we verify threats?
  • What justifies military action?

Another view

The claims rely on intelligence that was later disputed or reevaluated.

More from John Edwards

  1. Today, under George W. Bush, there are two Americas, not one: One America that does the work, another that reaps the reward. One America that pays the taxes, a…

    Permalink to quote #6
  2. American presidents since Woodrow Wilson have promoted democracy.

    Permalink to quote #8
  3. We want to take back America, and together we will.

    Permalink to quote #5

Related quotes

  1. For the moment, let me say this: Saddam Hussein's regime is despicable, he is developing weapons of mass destruction, and we cannot leave him doing so unchecke…

    Tony BlairTony Blair quote #25
  2. We must recognize that there is no indication that Saddam Hussein has any intention of relenting. So we have an obligation of enormous consequence, an obligati…

    John KerryJohn Kerry quote #4
  3. The president of Iran should remember that Iran can also be wiped off the map.

    Shimon PeresShimon Peres quote #8