Crooks and Liars » Saddam Wanted Out, Bush Lied About It:
"On March 17, 2003 President Bush issued the warning: “Saddam Hussein and his sons must leave Iraq within 48 hours. Their refusal to do so will result in military conflict commenced at a time of our choosing ,” yet now thanks to a transcript leaked to the Spanish newspaper El Pais, we learn that more than three weeks prior to that Bush had told former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar that “The Egyptians are speaking to Saddam Hussein. It seems he’s indicated he would be prepared to go into exile if he’s allowed to take $1 billion …” When confronted about the leaked transcript yesterday, Whitehouse spokeswoman Dana Perino did not dispute its accuracy."
Of course, and the argument that he was going to invade "no matter what" can't be proven. Nor is it what's stated here.
ReplyDeleteBut what can be shown is that there were at least two separate potential deals to have Hussein go into exile, one to the UAE and the latest reported to Egypt. And THAT gives lie to the idea pandered about that we invaded Iraq as a "last resort."