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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 obligation to guarantee that Saddam Hussein cannot ignore the United Nations. He cannot be permitted to go unobserved and unimpeded toward his horrific objective of amassing a stockpile of weapons of mass destruction.

John Kerry#4

PolicyWarSecurityDiplomacyThreat

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker argues for strong international action against Saddam Hussein due to threats of weapons of mass destruction.
In plain terms
Saddam Hussein must not be allowed to build weapons of mass destruction.
What can you take from it?
Preventing mass destruction requires international enforcement.

Where it applies

  • foreign policy
  • security debates
  • military decisions

Putting it to work

  • sanctions enforcement
  • UN compliance

Questions to consider

  • How do you balance intervention and peace?
  • What threats justify war?

Another view

Intervention can lead to unintended conflict.

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