The new Democratic spin for the minute. Even President Clinton is contradicting himself.
sacbee.com
Clinton: Get bin Laden before pursuing Hussein
By CHELSEA J. CARTER Associated Press Writer
Published 4:10 p.m. PDT Thursday, September 5, 2002
SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) - Former President Bill Clinton urged the Bush administration Thursday to finish the job with Osama bin Laden before taking on Iraq.
"Saddam Hussein didn't kill 3,100 people on Sept. 11," Clinton said. "Osama bin Laden did, and as far as we know he's still alive."
Clinton made his remarks to several hundred people at a $1,000-a-plate fund-raising event in Orange County for U.S. Rep. Loretta Sanchez, D-Garden Grove.
Although Clinton told the audience he did not have access to current intelligence information about Iraq, he said news reports citing American officials say the al-Qaida network remained a threat.
"I also believe we might do more good for American security in the short run at far less cost by beefing up our efforts in Afghanistan, Pakistan and elsewhere to flesh out the entire network," Clinton said.
Clinton said he supported President Bush's efforts in Afghanistan, including military actions and support of the Afghan government.
He told people the real concern in Iraq was Hussein's possible use of stockpiled chemical and biological weapons.
The former president reminded the audience of Hussein's propensity to use the weapons in the past, citing an attack on the Kurds and the Iran-Iraq war.
"He has maximum incentive not to use this stuff," Clinton said. "If we go, he has maximum incentive to use it because he knows he's going to lose." |
