QandO: My question

February 09, 2004

My question
Posted by Jon Henke

Had I the chance to question the Democratic candidates, I've very much like an answer to this:

Many years of sanctions and inspections had not succeeded in:
* ...determining the disposition of Saddam Husseins WMDs.
* ...discovering the WMD programs we've learned he had retained.
* ...preventing him from acquiring billions of dollars under the table and outside the oil-for-food program.
* ...preventing him from oppressing his own people (very much a part of those sanctions).
* ...preventing him from making deals for illegal weaponry with foreign governments.
* ...eliminating terrorist activity within Iraq.
* ...ceasing Saddam's support for terrorism.

...what would you have done?

Since years of sanctions, inspections and diplomacy had not succeeeded in any of those areas, what was your plan to force Saddam into compliance? So far, I've heard nothing but professions of faith in the same international alliance that had failed so completely for the past 12 years. I see no transmission mechanism between your faith and results.

What actual action would you take to enforce compliance?

...and if you say "I'd work with the international community" one more time, I swear I'll rig this next election myself.

TrackBack

Comments

Ahh, but Jon, such an insightful question would be wasted in a primary debate, which is conducted in front of an audience of partisans who are happy to be spoon-fed vague accusations about the incumbent president.

If the Bush campaign is smart, they're simply biding their time until the general campaign to unveil this exact line of attack/question that you described. I'd love to see Bush push this at a debate with Kerry or Dean -- "the international community and sanctions failed for 12 years; what would you have done differently?"

Posted by: bob at February 9, 2004 03:48 PM

I would have sent in the unicorns! If they turned pink, it would mean ten more years of sanctions.

Posted by: Syl at February 9, 2004 10:46 PM