SI
SI
discoversearch

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor.  We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community.  If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.
Politics : Just the Facts, Ma'am: A Compendium of Liberal Fiction
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  
To: Lazarus_Long who wrote (8211)6/1/2004 1:22:09 PM
From: Orcastraiter  Read Replies (1) of 90947
 
I think that Glaspie's interaction with Saddam was read by Saddam that the US was indifferent. Look at the ambiguities in Glaspie's statements that you linked. Not once did she say that the US would take a dim view of any military aggression. Maybe she didn't have the authority to speak on the matter, and then she left for Washington...likely looking for direction and to discuss the situation with the president.

From your linked post:

Message 19352996

"I was in the American Embassy in Kuwait during the late 60's. The instruction we had during this period was that we should express no opinion on this issue and that the issue is not associated with America."

Nothing could be further from the truth. America did have a solid opinion on the matter, and that any aggression would be repelled. That is the message that should have been relayed to Saddam.

And she said:

"And for this reason, I received an instruction to ask you, in the spirit of friendship - not in the spirit of confrontation - regarding your intentions."

This statement would likely be seen as one of support before it was seen as a statement of warning. It seems that these statements as a collection signaled indifference on the part of the United States.

Clearly this was not that case as evidenced by Bush I's reaction to the aggression. But clearly an opportunity was missed to send a strong message to Saddam about the consequences of a military conquest in Kuwait.

Orca
Report TOU ViolationShare This Post
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  

HomeMailHotSubjectMarksPeopleMarksKeepersSettings
Terms Of UseContact UsCopyright/IP PolicyPrivacy PolicyAbout UsFAQAdvertise on SI
© 2025 Knight Sac Media.  Data provided by Twelve Data, Alpha Vantage, and CityFALCON News