Out a couple of hours ago: Dick Armey Warns Against Unprovoked Attack on Iraq
Aug 8, 2002
Dick Armey Warns Against Unprovoked Attack on Iraq
By Mike Glover
Associated Press Writer
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - House Majority Leader Dick Armey on Thursday warned against an unprovoked attack against Iraq.
His comments came as Iraqi President Saddam Hussein took to the airwaves to warn that any attack on Iraq would fail.
"My own view would be to let him bluster, let him rant and rave all he wants and let that be a matter between he and his own country," Armey, R-Texas, said while stumping for Iowa Republican congressional candidates.
"As long as he behaves himself within his own borders, we should not be addressing any attack or resources against him," Armey said.
President Bush has left little doubt that he would like to oust Saddam, but he has not decided what to do. Support in Congress is mixed, and Armey said that striking against Iraq without a clear and easily understood provocation would isolate the United States.
"If we try to act against Saddam Hussein, as obnoxious as he is, without proper provocation, we will not have the support of other nation states who might do so," Armey said.
Armey said he did not consider the Iraqi leader's refusal to allow weapons inspections sufficient reason to attack. The Gulf War was a different story, he said, because Saddam had moved beyond his own borders.
AP-ES-08-08-02 2239EDT
This story can be found at: ap.tbo.com |
