All of the lies of BushCo in one convenient place. Well almost all.
SOURCE:
Iraq on the Record
Presented by Rep. Henry A. Waxman
BUSH LIES 55 Statements:
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"I strongly believe he was trying to reconstitute his nuclear weapons program."
Source: President Bush, Prime Minister Blair Discuss War on Terrorism, White
House (7/17/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program. The statement also failed to mention weeks of intensive
inspections conducted directly before the war in which United Nations inspectors
found no sign whatsoever of any effort by Iraq to resume its nuclear program.
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"We recently found two mobile biological weapons facilities which were capable
of producing biological agents."
Source: President Talks to Troops in Qatar, White House (6/5/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed the purpose of the trailers was
to produce biological weapons without disclosing that engineers from the Defense
Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most
likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons.
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"Here's what -- we've discovered a weapons system, biological labs, that Iraq
denied she had, and labs that were prohibited under the U.N. resolutions."
Source: President Bush, Russian President Putin Sign Treaty of Moscow, White
House (6/1/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed the purpose of the trailers was
to produce biological weapons without disclosing that engineers from the Defense
Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most
likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons.
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"We found the weapons of mass destruction. We found biological laboratories. You
remember when Colin Powell stood up in front of the world, and he said, Iraq has
got laboratories, mobile labs to build biological weapons. They're illegal.
They're against the United Nations resolutions, and we've so far discovered two.
And we'll find more weapons as time goes on. But for those who say we haven't
found the banned manufacturing devices or banned weapons, they're wrong, we
found them."
Source: Interview of the President by TVP, Poland, White House (5/29/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed the purpose of the trailers was
to produce biological weapons without disclosing that engineers from the Defense
Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most
likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons.
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"The battle of Iraq is one victory in a war on terror that began on September
the 11, 2001 -- and still goes on. That terrible morning, 19 evil men -- the
shock troops of a hateful ideology -- gave America and the civilized world a
glimpse of their ambitions. They imagined, in the words of one terrorist, that
September the 11th would be the 'beginning of the end of America.' By seeking to
turn our cities into killing fields, terrorists and their allies believed that
they could destroy this nation's resolve, and force our retreat from the world.
They have failed."
Source: President Bush Announces Major Combat Operations in Iraq Have Ended,
White House (5/1/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because by referencing the September 11 attacks in
conjunction with discussion of the war on terror in Iraq, it left the impression
that Iraq was connected to September 11. In fact, President Bush himself in
September 2003 acknowledged that "Weve had no evidence that Saddam Hussein was
involved with September the 11th."
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"The liberation of Iraq is a crucial advance in the campaign against terror.
We've removed an ally of al Qaeda, and cut off a source of terrorist funding.
And this much is certain: No terrorist network will gain weapons of mass
destruction from the Iraqi regime, because the regime is no more."
Source: President Bush Announces Major Combat Operations in Iraq Have Ended,
White House (5/1/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was linked to al
Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting evidence on this
issue and was divided regarding whether there was an operational relationship.
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"The regime . . . has aided, trained and harbored terrorists, including
operatives of al Qaeda. The danger is clear: using chemical, biological or, one
day, nuclear weapons, obtained with the help of Iraq, the terrorists could
fulfill their stated ambitions and kill thousands or hundreds of thousands of
innocent people in our country, or any other."
Source: President Says Saddam Hussein Must Leave Iraq Within 48 Hours, White
House (3/17/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship. This statement also was misleading because it evoked
the threat of Iraq providing al Qaeda with weapons of mass destruction.
According to the National Intelligence Estimate, the intelligence community had
"low confidence" in that scenario.
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"He has trained and financed al Qaeda-type organizations before, al Qaeda and
other terrorist organizations."
Source: President George Bush Discusses Iraq in National Press Conference, White
House (3/6/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship.
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"But the risk of doing nothing, the risk of the security of this country being
jeopardized at the hands of a madman with weapons of mass destruction far
exceeds the risks of any action we may be forced to take."
Source: President Meets with National Economic Council, White House (2/25/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq posed an urgent
threat despite the fact that the U.S. intelligence community had deep divisions
and divergent points of view regarding Iraq's weapons of mass destruction. As
Director of Central Intelligence George Tenet noted in February 2004, "Let me be
clear: analysts differed on several important aspects of these programs and
those debates were spelled out in the Estimate. They never said there was an
'imminent' threat."
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"One of the greatest dangers we face is that weapons of mass destruction might
be passed to terrorists who would not hesitate to use those weapons. Saddam
Hussein has longstanding, direct and continuing ties to terrorist networks.
Senior members of Iraq intelligence and al Qaeda have met at least eight times
since the early 1990s. Iraq has sent bomb-making and document forgery experts to
work with al Qaeda. Iraq has also provided al Qaeda with chemical and biological
weapons training. And an al Qaeda operative was sent to Iraq several times in
the late 1990s for help in aquiring poisons and gases. We also know that Iraq is
harboring a terrorist network headed by a senior al Qaeda terrorist planner."
Source: President's Radio Address, White House (2/8/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it asserted that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship. The statement also was misleading because it evoked
the threat of Iraq providing al Qaeda with weapons of mass destruction.
According to the National Intelligence Estimate, the intelligence community had
"low confidence" in that scenario.
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"All the world has now seen the footage of an Iraqi Mirage aircraft with a fuel
tank modified to spray biological agents over wide areas. Iraq has developed
spray devices that could be used on unmanned aerial vehicals with ranges far
beyond what is permitted by the Security Council. A UAV launched from a vessel
off the American coast could reach hundreds of miles inland."
Source: President Bush: "World Can Rise to This Moment", White House (2/6/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed that Iraqs UAVs were intended
and able to spread biological weapons, including over the United States, but
failed to mention that the U.S. government agency most knowledgeable about UAVs
and their potential applications, the Air Forces National Air and Space
Intelligence Center, had the following view: the "U.S. Air Force does not agree
that Iraq is developing UAVs primarily intended to be delivery platforms for
chemical and biological (CBW) agents."
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"And the United States, along with a growing coalition of nations, is resolved
to take whatever action is necessary to defend ourselves and disarm the Iraqi
regime. September the 11th, 2001, the American people saw what terrorists could
do by turning four airplanes into weapons. We will not wait to see what
terrorists or terrorist states could do with chemical, biological, radiological
or nuclear weapons."
Source: President Bush: "World Can Rise to This Moment", White House (2/6/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because by referencing the September 11 attacks in
conjunction with discussion of the war on terror in Iraq, it left the impression
that Iraq was connected to September 11. In fact, President Bush himself in
September 2003 acknowledged "Weve had no evidence that Saddam Hussein was
involved with September the 11th." This statement also was misleading because it
evoked the threat of Iraq providing terrorists who would attack the United
States with weapons of mass destruction. According to the National Intelligence
Estimate, the intelligence community had "low confidence" in that scenario, and
Iraq appeared to be "drawing a line short of conducting terrorist attacks"
against the United States for fear of providing cause for war.
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"Saddam Hussein has longstanding, direct and continuing ties to terrorist
networks. Senior members of Iraqi intelligence and al Qaeda have met at least
eight times since the early 1990s. Iraq has sent bomb-making and document
forgery experts to work with al Qaeda. Iraq has also provided al Qaeda with
chemical and biological weapons training. We also know that Iraq is harboring a
terrorist network, headed by a senior al Qaeda terrorist planner."
Source: President Bush: "World Can Rise to This Moment", White House (2/6/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it asserted that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship.
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"Before September the 11th, many in the world believed that Saddam Hussein could
be contained. But chemical agents, lethal viruses, and shadowy terrorist
networks are not easily contained. Imagine those 19 hijackers with other weapons
and other planes -- this time armed by Saddam Hussein. It would take one vial,
one canister, one crate slipped into this country to bring a day of horror like
none we have ever known."
Source: President Delivers "State of the Union", White House (1/28/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it evoked the threat of Iraq providing
terrorists who would attack the United States with weapons of mass destruction.
According to the National Intelligence Estimate, the intelligence community had
"low confidence" in that scenario, and Iraq appeared to be "drawing a line short
of conducting terrorist attacks" against the United States for fear of providing
cause for war. This statement also was misleading because by referencing the
September 11 attacks in conjunction with discussion of the war on terror in
Iraq, it left the impression that Iraq was connected to September 11. In fact,
President Bush himself in September 2003 acknowledge that "We've had no evidence
that Saddam Hussein was involved with September the 11th."
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"Our intelligence sources tell us that he has attempted to purchase
high-strength aluminum tubes suitable for nuclear weapons production."
Source: President Delivers "State of the Union", White House (1/28/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq sought aluminum
tubes for use in its nuclear weapons program, failing to mention that the
governments most experienced technical experts at the U.S. Department of Energy
concluded that the tubes were "poorly suited" for this purpose.
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"Evidence from intelligence sources, secret communications, and statements by
people now in custody reveal that Saddam Hussein aids and protects terrorists,
including members of al Qaeda. Secretly, and without fingerprints, he could
provide one of his hidden weapons to terrorists, or help develop their own."
Source: President Delivers "State of the Union", White House (1/28/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it evoked the threat of Iraq providing
weapons to al Qaeda. According to the National Intelligence Estimate, the
intelligence community had "low confidence" in that scenario.
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"The British government has learned that Saddam Hussein recently sought
significant quantities of uranium from Africa."
Source: President Delivers "State of the Union", White House (1/28/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq sought uranium from
Africa despite the fact that the CIA expressed doubts about the credibility of
this claim in two memos to the White House, including one addressed to National
Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice. CIA Director George Tenet also warned against
using the claim in a telephone call to Ms. Rice's deputy. In addition, the
statement fails to mention that State Department intelligence officials also
concluded that this claim was "highly dubious."
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"The [Iraqi] report also failed to deal with issues which have arisen since
1998, including: . . . attempts to acquire uranium and the means to enrich it."
Source: Letter to Cheney/Senate, White House (1/20/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq sought to acquire
uranium despite the fact that the CIA expressed doubts about the credibility of
this claim in two memos to the White House, including one addressed to National
Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice. CIA Director George Tenet also warned against
using the claim in a telephone call to Ms. Rice's deputy. In addition, the
statement fails to mention that State Department intelligence officials also
concluded that this claim was "highly dubious."
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"Today the world is also uniting to answer the unique and urgent threat posed by
Iraq. A dictator who has used weapons of mass destruction on his own people must
not be allowed to produce or possess those weapons. We will not permit Saddam
Hussein to blackmail and/or terrorize nations which love freedom."
Source: President Bush Speaks to Atlantic Youth Council, CNN (11/20/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq posed an urgent
threat despite the fact that the U.S. intelligence community had deep divisions
and divergent points of view regarding Iraq's weapons of mass destruction. As
Director of Central Intelligence George Tenet noted in February 2004, "Let me be
clear: analysts differed on several important aspects of these programs and
those debates were spelled out in the Estimate. They never said there was an
'imminent' threat."
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"He's a threat because he is dealing with Al Qaida. In my Cincinnati speech I
reminded the American people, a true threat facing our country is that an Al
Qaida-type network trained and armed by Saddam could attack America and leave
not one fingerprint."
Source: President Outlines Priorities, White House (11/7/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship.
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"He's had contacts with Al Qaida. Imagine the scenario where an Al Qaida-type
organization uses Iraq as an arsenal, a place to get weapons, a place to be
trained to use the weapons. Saddam Hussein could use surrogates to come and
attack people he hates."
Source: Remarks by the President at Arkansas Welcome, White House (11/4/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship.
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"He said he wouldn't have chemical weapons, he's got them."
Source: Remarks by the President at Arkansas Welcome, White House (11/4/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"This is a man who has had Al Qaida connections. I want you to think about a
scenario in which he becomes the arsenal and the training grounds for shadowy
terrorists so that he can attack somebody who (sic) hates and not leave any
fingerprints behind. He is a threat."
Source: Remarks by the President at Missouri Welcome, White House (11/4/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was linked to al
Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting evidence on this
issue and was divided regarding whether there was an operational relationship.
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"Not only has he got chemical weapons, but I want you to remember, he's used
chemical weapons."
Source: Remarks by the President in Texas Welcome, White House (11/4/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"It's a man who has got connections with Al Qaida. Imagine a terrorist network
with Iraq as an arsenal and as a training ground, so that a Saddam Hussein could
use this shadowy group of people to attack his enemy and leave no fingerprint
behind. He's a threat."
Source: Remarks by the President in Texas Welcome, White House (11/4/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship.
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"We not only know he's got chemical weapons, but incredibly enough he's used
chemical weapons."
Source: President Talks Tax Cuts and Homeland Security in Iowa, White House
(11/4/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"He said he wouldn't have chemical weapons, he's got them."
Source: Remarks by the President at Missouri Welcome, White House (11/4/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"Saddam Hussein is a man who told the world he wouldn't have weapons of mass
destruction, but he's got them . . . . And not only that, [he would] like
nothing more than to hook up with one of these shadowy terrorist networks like
Al Qaeda, provide some weapons and training to them, let them come do his dirty
work, and we wouldn't be able to see his fingerprints on his action."
Source: Iraq Must Disarm Says President in South Dakota Speech, White House
(11/3/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it evoked the threat of Iraq providing Al
Qaeda with weapons of mass destruction. According to the National Intelligence
Estimate, the intelligence community had "low confidence" in that scenario, and
the intelligence community believed that Iraq appeared to be "drawing a line
short of conducting terrorist attacks" against the United States for fear of
providing cause for war.
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"[Saddam Hussein is] a man who not only has chemical weapons, but he has used
chemical weapons against some of his neighbors."
Source: Iraq Must Disarm Says President in South Dakota Speech, White House
(11/3/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"This [Saddam Hussein] is a person who has had contacts with al Qaeda."
Source: President Bush Outlines Iraqi Threat; Remarks by the President on Iraq,
White House (10/28/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was linked to al
Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting evidence on this
issue and was divided regarding whether there was an operational relationship.
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"And I also mentioned the fact that there is a connection between al Qaeda and
Saddam Hussein."
Source: President Condems Attack in Bali, White House (10/14/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was linked to al
Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting evidence on this
issue and was divided regarding whether there was an operational relationship.
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"In 1995, after several years of deceit by the Iraqi regime, the head of Iraq's
military industries defected. It was then that the regime was forced to admit
that it had produced more than 30,000 liters of anthrax and other deadly
biological agents. The inspectors, however, concluded that Iraq had likely
produced two to four times that amount. This is a massive stockpile of
biological weapons that has never been accounted for, and capable of killing
millions."
Source: President Bush Outlines Iraqi Threat; Remarks by the President on Iraq,
White House (10/7/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it evoked a lethal threat to millions of
individuals from Iraq's biological weapons but failed to acknowledge that the
U.S. intelligence community had reported on Iraq's biological weapons
capabilities with qualifiers and lack of specificity. For example, the October
2002 NIE estimated simply that Iraq had "some" BW agents that were lethal and
incapacitating, "including anthrax."
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"The Iraqi regime . . . is seeking nuclear weapons."
Source: President Bush Outlines Iraqi Threat; Remarks by the President on Iraq,
White House (10/7/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program.
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"And surveillance photos reveal that the regime is rebuilding facilities that it
had used to produced chemical and biological weapons. Yet Saddam Hussein has
chosen to build and keep these weapons despite international sanctions, U.N.
demands, and isolation from the civilized world."
Source: President Bush Outlines Iraqi Threat; Remarks by the President on Iraq,
White House (10/7/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"We've also discovered through intelligence that Iraq has a growing fleet of
manned and unmanned aerial vehicles that could be used to disperse chemical or
biological weapons across broad areas. We are concerned that Iraq is exploring
ways of using these UAVs for missions targeting the United States."
Source: President Bush Outlines Iraqi Threat; Remarks by the President on Iraq,
White House (10/7/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed that Iraqs UAVs were intended
and able to spread chemical or biological weapons, including over the United
States, but failed to mention that the U.S. government agency most knowledgeable
about UAVs and their potential applications, the Air Forces National Air and
Space Intelligence Center, had the following view: the "U.S. Air Force does not
agree that Iraq is developing UAVs primarily intended to be delivery platforms
for chemical and biological (CBW) agents."
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"We know that Iraq and al Qaeda have had high-level contacts that go back a
decade. Some al Qaeda leaders who fled Afghanistan went to Iraq. These include
one very senior al Qaeda leader who received medical treatment in Baghdad this
year, and who has been associated with planning for chemical and biological
attacks. We've learned that Iraq has trained al Qaeda members in bomb-making and
poisons and deadly gases."
Source: President Bush Outlines Iraqi Threat; Remarks by the President on Iraq,
White House (10/7/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it asserted that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship.
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"Iraq has attempted to purchase high-strength aluminum tubes and other equipment
needed for gas centrifuges, which are used to enrich uranium for nuclear
weapons."
Source: President Bush Outlines Iraqi Threat; Remarks by the President on Iraq,
White House (10/7/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq sought aluminum
tubes for use in its nuclear weapons program, failing to mention that the
governments most experienced technical experts at the U.S. Department of Energy
concluded that the tubes were "poorly suited" for this purpose.
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"After eleven years during which we have tried containment, sanctions,
inspections, even selected military action, the end result is that Saddam
Hussein still has chemical and biological weapons and is increasing his
capabilities to make more."
Source: President Bush Outlines Iraqi Threat; Remarks by the President on Iraq,
White House (10/7/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"Saddam Hussein . . . is moving ever closer to developing a nuclear weapon."
Source: President Bush Outlines Iraqi Threat; Remarks by the President on Iraq,
White House (10/7/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program.
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"If the Iraq regime is able to produce, buy, or steal an amount of highly
enriched uranium a little larger than a single softball, it could have a nuclear
weapon in less than one year."
Source: President Bush Outlines Iraqi Threat; Remarks by the President on Iraq,
White House (10/7/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to provide the context that the
U.S. intelligence community believed that Iraq probably would not be able to
make a nuclear weapon until near the end of the decade.
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"Knowing these realities, America must not ignore the threat gathering against
us. Facing clear evidence of peril, we cannot wait for the final proof - the
smoking gun - that could come in the form of a mushroom cloud."
Source: President Bush Outlines Iraqi Threat; Remarks by the President on Iraq,
White House (10/7/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it starkly evoked a threat of Iraq
detonating a nuclear bomb when there was deep division in the intelligence
community on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its nuclear
program.
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"[Iraq] possesses and produces chemical and biological weapons."
Source: President Bush Outlines Iraqi Threat; Remarks by the President on Iraq,
White House (10/7/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"In defiance of the United Nations, Iraq has stockpiled biological and chemical
weapons, and is rebuilding the facilities used to make more of those weapons."
Source: President: Iraqi Regime Danger to America is "Grave and Growing", White
House (10/5/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"The regime has the scientists and facilities to build nuclear weapons, and is
seeking the materials needed to do so."
Source: President, House Leadership Agree on Iraq Resolution, White House
(10/2/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program.
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"On its present course, the Iraqi regime is a threat of unique urgency. . . . it
has developed weapons of mass death."
Source: President, House Leadership Agree on Iraq Resolution, White House
(10/2/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq posed an urgent
threat despite the fact that the U.S. intelligence community had deep divisions
and divergent points of view regarding Iraq's weapons of mass destruction. As
Director of Central Intelligence George Tenet noted in February 2004, "Let me be
clear: analysts differed on several important aspects of these programs and
those debates were spelled out in the Estimate. They never said there was an
'imminent' threat."
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"We know the designs of the Iraqi regime. In defiance of pledges to the U.N., it
has stockpiled biological and chemical weapons."
Source: President, House Leadership Agree on Iraq Resolution, White House
(10/2/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"The regime has longstanding and continuing ties to terrorist groups, and there
are Al Qaida terrorists inside Iraq."
Source: George W. Bush Delivers Weekly Radio Address, White House (9/28/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was linked to al
Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting evidence on this
issue and was divided regarding whether there was an operational relationship.
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"The Iraqi regime possesses biological and chemical weapons."
Source: George W. Bush Delivers Weekly Radio Address, White House (9/28/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"The regime is seeking a nuclear bomb, and with fissile material, could build
one within a year."
Source: President Bush Discusses Iraq with Congressional Leaders, White House
(9/26/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to provide the context that the
U.S. intelligence community believed that Iraq probably would not be able to
make a nuclear weapon until near the end of the decade.
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"The Iraqi regime possesses biological and chemical weapons."
Source: President Bush Discusses Iraq with Congressional Leaders, White House
(9/26/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"The history, the logic, and the facts lead to one conclusion: Saddam Hussein's
regime is a grave and gathering danger. To suggest otherwise is to hope against
the evidence. To assume this regime's good faith is to bet the lives of millions
and the peace of the world in a reckless gamble. And this is a risk we must not
take."
Source: Address to the United Nations General Assembly, White House (9/12/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq posed an urgent
threat despite the fact that the U.S. intelligence community had deep divisions
and divergent points of view regarding Iraq's weapons of mass destruction. As
Director of Central Intelligence George Tenet noted in February 2004, "Let me be
clear: analysts differed on several important aspects of these programs and
those debates were spelled out in the Estimate. They never said there was an
'imminent' threat."
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"Iraq has made several attempts to buy high-strength aluminum tubes used to
enrich uranium for a nuclear weapon."
Source: Address to the United Nations General Assembly, White House (9/12/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq sought aluminum
tubes for use in its nuclear weapons program, failing to mention that the
governments most experienced technical experts at the U.S. Department of Energy
concluded that the tubes were "poorly suited" for this purpose.
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"Should Iraq acquire fissile material, it would be able to build a nuclear
weapon within a year."
Source: Address to the United Nations General Assembly, White House (9/12/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to provide the context that the
U.S. intelligence community believed that Iraq probably would not be able to
make a nuclear weapon until near the end of the decade.
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"The first time we may be completely certain he has a --nuclear weapon is when,
God forbids, he uses one."
Source: Address to the United Nations General Assembly, White House (9/12/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it starkly evoked a threat of Iraq
detonating a nuclear bomb when the intelligence community was deeply divided on
the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its nuclear program.
Public Statement of President George W. Bush:
"With every step the Iraqi regime takes toward gaining and deploying the most
terrible weapons, our own options to confront that regime will narrow. And if an
emboldened regime were to supply these weapons to terrorist allies, then the
attacks of September the 11th would be a prelude to far greater horrors."
Source: Address to the United Nations General Assembly, White House (9/12/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it evoked the threat of Iraq providing
terrorists who would attack the United States with weapons of mass destruction.
According to the National Intelligence Estimate, the intelligence community had
"low confidence" in that scenario, and Iraq appeared to be "drawing a line short
of conducting terrorist attacks" against the United States for fear of providing
cause for war.
SOURCE:
Iraq on the Record
Presented by Rep. Henry A. Waxman
CHENEY LIES 51
statements:
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"In terms of the question what is there now, we know for example that prior to
our going in that he had spent time and effort acquiring mobile biological
weapons labs, and we're quite confident he did, in fact, have such a program.
We've found a couple of semi trailers at this point which we believe were, in
fact, part of that program."
Source: Morning Edition, NPR (1/22/2004).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed the purpose of the trailers was
to produce biological weapons without disclosing that engineers from the Defense
Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most
likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"I continue to believe. I think there's overwhelming evidence that there was a
connection between al-Qaeda and the Iraqi government. We've discovered since
documents indicating that a guy named Abdul Rahman Yasin, who was a part of the
team that attacked the World Trade Center in '93, when he arrived back in Iraq
was put on the payroll and provided a house, safe harbor and sanctuary. That's
public information now. So Saddam Hussein had an established track record of
providing safe harbor and sanctuary for terrorists. . . . I mean, this is a guy
who was an advocate and a supporter of terrorism whenever it suited his purpose,
and I'm very confident that there was an established relationship there."
Source: Morning Edition, NPR (1/22/2004).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"Saddam Hussein had a lengthy history of reckless and sudden aggression. His
regime cultivated ties to terror, including the al Qaeda network, and had built,
possessed, and used weapons of mass destruction."
Source: Richard B. Cheney Delivers Remarks to Veterans at the Arizona Wing
Museum, White House (1/15/2004).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"Saddam Hussein had a lengthy history of reckless and sudden aggression. His
regime cultivated ties to terror, including the al Qaeda network, and had built,
possessed, and used weapons of mass destruction."
Source: Richard B. Cheney Delivers Remarks to the Los Angeles World Affairs
Council, White House (1/14/2004).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"QUESTION: When I was in Iraq, some of the soldiers said they believed they were
fighting because of the Sept. 11 attacks and because they thought Saddam Hussein
had ties to al Qaida. You've repeatedly cited such links. . . . I wanted to ask
you what you'd say to those soldiers, and were those soldiers misled at all?
VICE PRESIDENT CHENEY: . . . . With respect to . . . the general relationship. .
. . One place you ought to go look is an article that Stephen Hayes did in the
Weekly Standard . . . That goes through and lays out in some detail, based on an
assessment that was done by the Department of Defense and forwarded to the
Senate Intelligence Committee some weeks ago. That's your best source of
information. I can give you a few quick for instances, one the first World Trade
Center bombing in 1993. QUESTION: Yes, sir . . . . VICE PRESIDENT CHENEY: The
main perpetrator was a man named Ramzi Yousef. He's now in prison in Colorado.
His sidekick in the exercise was a man named Abdul Rahman Yasin. . . Ahman
Rahman . . . Yasin is his last name anyway. I can't remember his earlier first
names. He fled the United States after the attack, the 1993 attack, went to
Iraq, and we know now based on documents that we've captured since we took
Baghdad, that they put him on the payroll, gave him a monthly stipend and
provided him with a house, sanctuary, in effect, in Iraq, in the aftermath of
nine-ele (sic) . . . the 93' attack on the World Trade Center. QUESTION: So you
stand by the statements? VICE PRESIDENT CHENEY: Absolutely. Absolutely. And you
can look at Zarkawi, (Abu Mussab) al-Zarkawi . . . Who was an al-Qaida
associate, who was wounded in Afghanistan, took refuge in Baghdad, working out
of Baghdad, worked with the Ansar al Islam group up in northeastern Iraq, that
produced a so-called poison factory, a group that we hit when we went into Iraq.
. . . We'll find ample evidence confirming the link, that is the connection if
you will between al Qaida and the Iraqi intelligence services. They have worked
together on a number of occasions."
Source: Transcript of interview with Vice President Dick Cheney, Rocky Mountain
News (1/9/2004).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it asserted that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship. The statement also refers to the Ansar al Islam group
in Northeastern Iraq without acknowledging that this area was not controlled by
Saddam Hussein.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"We did have reporting that was public, that came out shortly after the 9/11
attack, provided by the Czech government, suggesting there had been a meeting in
Prague between Mohammed Atta, the lead hijacker, and a man named al-Ani (Ahmed
Khalil Ibrahim Samir al-Ani), who was an Iraqi intelligence official in Prague,
at the embassy there, in April of '01, prior to the 9/11 attacks. It has never
been -- we've never been able to collect any more information on that. That was
the one that possibly tied the two together to 9/11."
Source: Transcript of Interview with Vice President Dick Cheney, Rocky Mountain
News (1/9/2004).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement is misleading because it describes a Czech government report of a
meeting between Mohammed Atta and Iraq intelligence official Ahmed Khalil
Ibrahim Samir al-Ani in April 2001 and states that there hasnt been more
information on that, despite the fact that Czech intelligence officials were
skeptical about the report; U.S. intelligence had contradictory evidence
regarding this report, such as records indicating Atta was in Virginia at the
time of the meeting; and the C.I.A. and F.B.I. had concluded the meeting
probably didnt occur.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"[T]he reporting that we had prior to the war this time around was all
consistent with that -- basically said that he had a chemical, biological and
nuclear program, and estimated that if he could acquire fissile material, he
could have a nuclear weapon within a year or two."
Source: Transcript of interview with Vice President Dick Cheney, Rocky Mountain
News (1/9/2004).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program. The statement also failed to mention weeks of intensive
inspections conducted directly before the war in which United Nations inspectors
found no sign whatsoever of any effort by Iraq to resume its nuclear program. In
addition, it failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency position
that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing and
stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"Saddam Hussein had a lengthy history of reckless and sudden aggression. He
cultivated ties to terror -- hosting the Abu Nidal organization, supporting
terrorists, and making payments to the families of suicide bombers. He also had
an established relationship with Al Qaida -- providing training to Al Qaida
members in areas of poisons, gases and conventional bombs. He built, possessed,
and used weapons of mass destruction."
Source: Richard B. Cheney Delivers Remarks at the James A. Baker, III, Institute
for Public Policy, White House (10/18/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it asserted that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"He cultivated ties to terror, hosting the Abu Nidal organization, supporting
terrorists, making payments to the families of suicide bombers in Israel. He
also had an established relationship with al Qaeda, providing training to al
Qaeda members in the areas of poisons, gases, making conventional bombs."
Source: Remarks by Vice President Dick Cheney at the Heritage Foundation, White
House (10/10/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"Al Qaida had a base of operation there up in Northeastern Iraq where they ran a
large poisons factory for attacks against Europeans and U.S. forces."
Source: Richard B. Cheney Delivers Remarks at a Bush-Cheney 2004 Fund-Raiser,
White House (10/5/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship. The statement also refers to al Qaeda in Northeastern
Iraq without acknowledging that this area was not controlled by Saddam Hussein.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"[I]f we had not paid any attention to the fact that al Qaeda was being hosted
in Northeastern Iraq, part of poisons network producing ricin and cyanide that
was intended to be used in attacks both in Europe, as well as in North Africa
and ignored it, we would have been derelict in our duties and responsibilities."
Source: Vice President Dick Cheney Remarks at Luncheon for Congressman Jim
Gerlach, White House (10/3/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship. The statement also refers to al Qaeda in Northeastern
Iraq without acknowledging that this area was not controlled by Saddam Hussein.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"If we had had that information and ignored it, if we'd been told, as we were,
by the intelligence community that he was capable of producing a nuclear weapon
within a year if he could acquire fissile material and ignored it . . . we would
have been derelict in our duties and responsibilities."
Source: Vice President Dick Cheney Remarks at Luncheon for Congressman Jim
Gerlach, White House (10/3/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to provide the context that the
U.S. intelligence community believed that Iraq probably would not be able to
make a nuclear weapon until near the end of the decade.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"Al Qaida had a base of operation there up in Northeastern Iraq where they ran a
large poisons factory for attacks against Europeans and U.S. forces."
Source: Richard B. Cheney Delivers Remarks at a Bush-Cheney '04 Fund-Raiser,
White House (10/3/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship. The statement also refers to al Qaeda in Northeastern
Iraq without acknowledging that this area was not controlled by Saddam Hussein.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"And the reason we had to do Iraq, if you hark back and think about that link
between the terrorists and weapons of mass destruction, Iraq was the place where
we were most fearful that that was most likely to occur, because in Iraq we've
had a government -- not only was it one of the worst dictatorships in modern
times, but had oftentimes hosted terrorists in the past . . . but also an
established relationship with the al Qaeda organization . . . ."
Source: Vice President Dick Cheney Remarks at Luncheon for Congressman Jim
Gerlach, White House (10/3/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"[Since September 11] We learned more and more that there was a relationship
between Iraq and al-Qaeda that stretched back through most of the decade of the
'90s, that it involved training, for example, on BW and CW, that al-Qaeda sent
personnel to Baghdad to get trained on the systems that are involved. The Iraqis
providing bomb-making expertise and advice to the al-Qaeda organization."
Source: Meet the Press, NBC (9/14/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it asserted that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"If we're successful in Iraq, if we can stand up a good representative
government in Iraq, that secures the region so that it never again becomes a
threat to its neighbors or to the United States, so it's not pursuing weapons of
mass destruction, so that it's not a safe haven for terrorists, now we will have
struck a major blow right at the heart of the base, if you will, the geographic
base of the terrorists who have had us under assault now for many years, but
most especially on 9/11."
Source: Meet the Press, NBC (9/14/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement is misleading because it states that Iraq is the "heart" of the
geographic base for terrorists who assaulted the United States on September 11,
despite the fact that intelligence officials do not have evidence that Iraq was
linked to the September 11 attack.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"Same on biological weapons--we believe he'd developed the capacity to go mobile
with his BW production capability because, again, in reaction to what we had
done to him in '91. We had intelligence reporting before the war that there were
at least seven of these mobile labs that he had gone out and acquired. We've,
since the war, found two of them. They're in our possession today, mobile
biological facilities that can be used to produce anthrax or smallpox or
whatever else you wanted to use during the course of developing the capacity for
an attack."
Source: Meet the Press, NBC (9/14/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed the purpose of the trailers was
to produce biological weapons without disclosing that engineers from the Defense
Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most
likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"With respect to 9/11, of course, we've had the story that's been public out
there. The Czechs alleged that Mohammed Atta, the lead attacker, met in Prague
with a senior Iraqi intelligence official five months before the attack, but
we've never been able to develop anymore of that yet either in terms of
confirming it or discrediting it. We just don't know."
Source: Meet the Press, NBC (9/14/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement is misleading because it describes a Czech government report of a
meeting between Mohammed Atta and Iraq intelligence official Ahmed Khalil
Ibrahim Samir al-Ani in April 2001 and states that there hasnt been more
information on that, despite the fact that Czech intelligence officials were
skeptical about the report; U.S. intelligence had contradictory evidence
regarding this report, such as records indicating Atta was in Virginia at the
time of the meeting; and the C.I.A. and F.B.I. had concluded the meeting
probably didnt occur.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"I have argued in the past, and would again, if we had been able to pre-empt the
attacks of 9/11 would we have done it? And I think absolutely. We have to be
prepared now to take the kind of bold action that's being contemplated with
respect to Iraq in order to ensure that we don't get hit with a devastating
attack when the terrorists' organization gets married up with a rogue state
that's willing to provide it with the kinds of deadly capabilities that Saddam
Hussein has developed and used over the years."
Source: Meet the Press, NBC (3/16/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it evoked the threat of Iraq providing
terrorists who would attack the United Stateswith weapons of mass destruction.
According to the National Intelligene Estimate, the intelligence community had
"low confidence" in that scenario, and Iraq appeared to be "drawing a line short
of conducting terrorist attacks" against the United States for fear of providing
cause for war.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"QUESTION: What do you think is the most important rationale for going to war
with Iraq? VICE PRESIDENT CHENEY: Well, I think I've just given it, Tim, in
terms of the combination of his development and use of chemical weapons, his
development of biological weapons, his pursuit of nuclear weapons."
Source: Meet the Press, NBC (3/16/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program. The statement also failed to mention weeks of intensive
inspections conducted directly before the war in which United Nations inspectors
found no sign whatsoever of any effort by Iraq to resume its nuclear program. In
addition, it failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency position
that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing and
stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"He's had years to get good at it and we know he has been absolutely devoted to
trying to acquire nuclear weapons. And we believe he has, in fact, reconstituted
nuclear weapons."
Source: Meet the Press, NBC (3/16/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was false because the intelligence community did not believe that
Iraq actually possessed nuclear weapons.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"And Saddam Hussein becomes a prime suspect in that regard because of his past
track record and because we know he has, in fact, developed these kinds of
capabilities, chemical and biological weapons. . . We know that he has a
long-standing relationship with various terrorist groups, including the al-Qaeda
organization."
Source: Meet the Press, NBC (3/16/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship. In addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the
Defense Intelligence Agency position that: "There is no reliable information on
whether Iraq is producing and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has --
or will -- establish its chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"We know he's out trying once again to produce nuclear weapons . . . ."
Source: Meet the Press, NBC (3/16/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program. The statement also failed to mention weeks of intensive
inspections conducted directly before the war in which United Nations inspectors
found no sign whatsoever of any effort by Iraq to resume its nuclear program.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"His regime aids and protects terrorists, including members of al Qaeda. He
could decide secretly to provide weapons of mass destruction to terrorists for
use against us."
Source: Vice President's Remarks at 30th Political Action Conference, White
House (1/30/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it asserted that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship. This statement also was misleading because it evoked
the threat of Iraq providing al Qaeda with weapons of mass destruction.
According to the National Intelligence Estimate, the intelligence community had
"low confidence" in that scenario, and Iraq appeared to be "drawing a line short
of conducting terrorist attacks" against the United States for fear of providing
cause for war.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"His regime has had high-level contacts with al Qaeda going back a decade and
has provided training to al Qaeda terrorists."
Source: Remarks by the Vice President at the Air National Guard Senior
Leadership Conference, White House (12/2/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"There is also a grave danger that al Qaeda or other terrorists will join with
outlaw regimes that have these weapons to attack their common enemy, the United
States of America. That is why confronting the threat posed by Iraq is not a
distraction from the war on terror."
Source: Remarks by the Vice President at the Air National Guard Senior
Leadership Conference, White House (12/2/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it evoked the threat of Iraq providing al
Qaeda with weapons of mass destruction. According to the National Intelligence
Estimate, the intelligence community had "low confidence" in that scenario, and
Iraq appeared to be "drawing a line short of conducting terrorist attacks"
against the United States for fear of providing cause for war.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"VICE PRESIDENT CHENEY: Well, I want to be very careful about how I say this.
I'm not here today to make a specific allegation that Iraq was somehow
responsible for 9/11. I can't say that. On the other hand, . . . new information
has come to light. And we spent time looking at that relationship between Iraq,
on the one hand, and the al-Qaeda organization on the other. And there has been
reporting that suggests that there have been a number of contacts over the
years. . . . There is -- again, I want to separate out 9/11, from the other
relationships between Iraq and the al-Qaeda organization. But there is a pattern
of relationships going back many years. And in terms of exchanges and in terms
of people, we've had recently since the operations in Afghanistan -- we've seen
al-Qaeda members operating physically in Iraq and off the territory of Iraq. . .
. QUESTION: But no direct link? VICE PRESIDENT CHENEY: I can't -- I'll leave it
right where it's at. I don't want to go beyond that. I've tried to be cautious
and restrained in my comments."
Source: Meet the Press, NBC (9/8/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"QUESTION: So Saddam's more dangerous than North Korea or Iran? VICE PRESIDENT
CHENEY: I think so because of his past practice and because we believe that he
is a danger, a fundamental danger, not only for the region but potentially the
United States, as well. And I say, a lot of that is based on the evidence that's
now available, that he is working actively to improve his . . . nuclear weapons
program."
Source: Meet the Press, NBC (9/8/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"I don't want to talk about, obviously, specific intelligence sources, but it's
now public that, in fact, he has been seeking to acquire, and we have been able
to intercept and prevent him from acquiring through this particular channel, the
kinds of tubes that are necessary to build a centrifuge. And the centrifuge is
required to take low-grade uranium and enhance it into highly enriched uranium,
which is what you have to have in order to build a bomb."
Source: Meet the Press, NBC (9/8/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq sought aluminum
tubes for use in its nuclear weapons program, failing to mention that the
governments most experienced technical experts at the U.S. Department of Energy
concluded that the tubes were "poorly suited" for this purpose.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"[H]e is, in fact, actively and aggressively seeking to acquire nuclear
weapons."
Source: Meet the Press, NBC (9/8/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"But we do know, with absolute certainty, that he is using his procurement
system to acquire the equipment he needs in order to enrich uranium to build a
nuclear weapon."
Source: Meet the Press, NBC (9/8/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"VICE PRESIDENT CHENEY: And what we've seen recently that has raised our level
of concern to the current state of unrest, if you will, if I can put it in those
terms, is that he now is trying, through his illicit procurement network, to
acquire the equipment he needs to be able to enrich uranium to make the bombs.
QUESTION: Aluminum tubes. VICE PRESIDENT CHENEY: Specifically aluminum tubes."
Source: Meet the Press, NBC (9/8/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq sought aluminum
tubes for use in its nuclear weapons program, failing to mention that the
governments most experienced technical experts at the U.S. Department of Energy
concluded that the tubes were "poorly suited" for this purpose.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"Now, the more recent developments have to do with our now being able to
conclude, based on intelligence that's becoming available . . . that he has
reconstituted his nuclear program to develop a nuclear weapon, that there are
efforts under way inside Iraq to significantly expand his capability."
Source: Meet the Press, NBC (9/8/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"On the nuclear question, many of us are convinced that Saddam will acquire such
weapons fairly soon."
Source: Vice President Honors Veterans of Korean War, White House (8/29/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"[T]hey continue to pursue an aggressive nuclear weapons program."
Source: Vice President Honors Veterans of Korean War, White House (8/29/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"But we now know that Saddam has resumed his efforts to acquire nuclear
weapons."
Source: Vice President Speaks at VFW 103rd National Convention, White House
(8/26/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"As former Secretary of State Kissinger recently stated: "The imminence of
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the huge dangers it involves, the
rejection of a viable inspection system, and the demonstrated hostility of
Saddam Hussein combine to produce an imperative for preemptive action." If the
United States could have preempted 9/11, we would have, no question. Should we
be able to prevent another, much more devastating attack, we will, no question.
This nation will not live at the mercy of terrorists or terror regimes."
Source: Vice President Speaks at VFW 103rd National Convention, White House
(8/26/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because by referencing the September 11 attacks in
conjunction with discussion of the war on terror in Iraq, it left the impression
that Iraq was connected to September 11. In fact, President Bush himself in
September 2003 acknowledged that "Weve had no evidence that Saddam Hussein was
involved with September the 11th." The statement also was misleading because it
evoked the threat of Iraq providing terrorists who would attack the United
States with weapons of mass destruction. According to the National Intelligence
Estimate, the intelligence community had "low confidence" in that scenario.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"Simply stated, there is no doubt that Saddam Hussein now has weapons of mass
destruction. There is no doubt he is amassing them to use against our friends,
against our allies, and against us."
Source: Vice President Speaks at VFW 103rd National Convention, White House
(8/26/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq posed an urgent
threat despite the fact that the U.S. intelligence community had deep divisions
and divergent points of view regarding Iraq's weapons of mass destruction. As
Director of Central Intelligence George Tenet noted in February 2004, "Let me be
clear: analysts differed on several important aspects of these programs and
those debates were spelled out in the Estimate. They never said there was an
'imminent' threat."
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"What we know now, from various sources, is that he has continued to improve
the, if you can put it in those terms, the capabilities of his nuclear . . . and
he continues to pursue a nuclear weapon."
Source: VP Speaks to Commonwealth Club of California, White House (8/7/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"We have already found confirmation that the al-Qaeda terrorists are seriously
interested in nuclear and radiological weapons, and in biological and chemical
agents. At the same time, there is a danger of terror groups joining together
with regimes that have or are seeking to build weapons of mass destruction. In
the case of Saddam Hussein, we have a dictator who is clearly pursuing these
capabilities -- and has used them, both in his war against Iran and against his
own people."
Source: Vice President makes remarks at an event for Representative Saxby
Chambliss, White House (7/19/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program. In addition, it failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence
Agency position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is
producing and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will --
establish its chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"In Afghanistan we found confirmation that bin Laden and the al-Qaeda network
were seriously interested in nuclear and radiological weapons, and in biological
and chemical agents. We are especially concerned about any possible linkup
between terrorists and regimes that have or seek weapons of mass destruction. In
the case of Saddam Hussein, we have a dictator who is clearly pursuing these
deadly capabilities."
Source: Vice President Delivers Remarks to the National Academy of Home
Builders, White House (6/6/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program. In addition, it failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence
Agency position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is
producing and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will --
establish its chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"We know he's got chemicals and biological [weapons] . . ."
Source: Meet the Press, NBC (5/19/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"[W]e know he's working on nuclear."
Source: Meet the Press, NBC (5/19/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"This is a man of great evil, as the President said. And he is actively pursuing
nuclear weapons at this time."
Source: Late Edition (CNN), CNN (3/24/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"The issue is that he's pursuing nuclear weapons."
Source: Late Edition (CNN), CNN (3/24/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"The issue is that he has chemical weapons and he's used them."
Source: Late Edition (CNN), CNN (3/24/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"[T]he notion of a Saddam Hussein with his great oil wealth, with his inventory
that he already has of biological and chemical weapons . . . is, I think, a
frightening proposition for anybody who thinks about it."
Source: Face the Nation, CBS (3/24/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"And [Arab nations] are as concerned as we are when they see . . . his pursuit
of nuclear weapons."
Source: Remarks by President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney at a
Photo Opportunity following their breakfast meeting., White House (3/21/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"We know that they have chemical weapons."
Source: The Vice President Participates in a Media Availability with Israeli
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, White House (3/19/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"[W]e know they are pursuing nuclear weapons."
Source: The Vice President Participates in a Media Availability with Israeli
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, White House (3/19/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program.
Public Statement of Vice President Richard Cheney:
"We know they have biological and chemical weapons."
Source: Press Conference by Vice President Cheney and his Highness Salam bin
Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince of Bahrain, White House (3/17/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
SOURCE:
Iraq on the Record
Presented by Rep. Henry A. Waxman
POWELL LIES 50 statements:
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"It isn't a figment of anyone's imagination that just 15 years ago they gassed
and killed 5,000 people with sarin and VX at a place called Halabja I visited
just a few weeks ago. They never lost that capability."
Source: Remarks After Meeting with Hungarian Foreign Minister Laszlo Kovacs,
State Dept (10/3/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"One item I showed was cartoons of the mobile biological van. They were
cartoons, artist's renderings, because we had never seen one of these things,
but we had good sourcing on it, excellent sourcing on it. And we knew what it
would look like when we found it, so we made those pictures. And I can assure
you I didn't just throw those pictures up without having quite a bit of
confidence in the information that I had been provided and that Director Tenet
had been provided and was now supporting me in the presentation on, sitting
right behind me. And we waited. And it took a couple of months, and it took
until after the war, until we found a van and another van that pretty much
matched what we said it would look like. And I think that's a pretty good
indication that we were not cooking the books."
Source: Press Briefing, State Dept (7/10/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed the purpose of the trailers was
to produce biological weapons without disclosing that engineers from the Defense
Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most
likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons.
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"Take the mobile vans that we've been talking about, the biological vans. I can
assure you, Sean, that when I presented those vans to the world on the 5th of
February and described them, all I could put up were pictures or cartoons that
we made of them. And later, we actually found them and showed them to the
world."
Source: Interview on the Sean Hannity Show, ABC Radio Network (7/2/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed the purpose of the trailers was
to produce biological weapons without disclosing that engineers from the Defense
Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most
likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons.
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"We have found the mobile biological weapons labs that I could only show
cartoons of that day."
Source: Interview on NBC's Today Show with Katie Couric, NBC (6/30/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed the purpose of the trailers was
to produce biological weapons without disclosing that engineers from the Defense
Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most
likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons.
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"The imminent threat is that suddenly, this biological warfare lab, for example,
could have been put to use."
Source: Interview on NPR's All Things Considered, NPR (6/27/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed the purpose of the trailers was
to produce biological weapons without disclosing that engineers from the Defense
Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most
likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons.
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"The mobile biological laboratories that were found and presented to the world,
I think, is a further evidence of this, and so, at the same time that we
continue our efforts to uncover those weapons programs."
Source: Interview with Al Arabiyya Television, Al Arabiyya (6/23/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed the purpose of the trailers was
to produce biological weapons without disclosing that engineers from the Defense
Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most
likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons.
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"I think that we will be able to demonstrate convincingly through the mobile
labs, through documentation, through interviews, through what we find, that we
knew what we were speaking about."
Source: Interview by the Associated Press, State Dept (6/12/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed the purpose of the trailers was
to produce biological weapons without disclosing that engineers from the Defense
Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most
likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons.
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"The biological weapons labs that we believe strongly are biological weapons
labs, we didn't find any biological weapons with those labs. But should that
give us any comfort? Not at all. Those were labs that could produce biological
weapons whenever Saddam Hussein might have wanted to have a biological weapons
inventory."
Source: Interview by the Associated Press, State Dept (6/12/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed the purpose of the trailers was
to produce biological weapons without disclosing that engineers from the Defense
Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most
likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons.
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"One element that I presented at that time, these biological vans, all I could
show was a cartoon drawing of these vans, and everybody said, "Are the vans
really there?" And, voila, the vans showed up a few months later. We found
them."
Source: Interview on CNN's Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer, CNN (6/8/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed the purpose of the trailers was
to produce biological weapons without disclosing that engineers from the Defense
Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most
likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons.
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"We have uncovered the mobile vans and we are continuing to search."
Source: Remarks at Stakeout Following Fox News Interview, Fox News (6/8/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed the purpose of the trailers was
to produce biological weapons without disclosing that engineers from the Defense
Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most
likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons.
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"And I think the mobile labs are what I think is a good indication of the kind
of thing they are doing."
Source: Remarks at Stakeout Following Fox News Interview, Fox News (6/8/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed the purpose of the trailers was
to produce biological weapons without disclosing that engineers from the Defense
Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most
likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons.
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"I can assure you that if those biological vans were not biological vans when I
said they were on the 5th of February, on the 6th of February Iraq would have
hauled those vans out, put them in front of a press conference, gave them to the
UNMOVIC inspectors to try to drive a stake in the heart of my presentation. They
did not. The reason they did not is they knew what they were."
Source: Interview on CNN's Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer, CNN (6/8/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed the purpose of the trailers was
to produce biological weapons without disclosing that engineers from the Defense
Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most
likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons.
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"And I would put before you Exhibit A, the mobile biological labs that we have
found."
Source: Interview on Fox News Sunday with Tony Snow, Fox News (6/8/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed the purpose of the trailers was
to produce biological weapons without disclosing that engineers from the Defense
Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most
likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons.
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"Now we found some mobile labs, we're interviewing people, we have a lot of
documents that have come into our possession and we'll be examining that."
Source: Interview on World News Tonight with Peter Jennings, State Dept
(6/2/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed the purpose of the trailers was
to produce biological weapons without disclosing that engineers from the Defense
Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most
likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons.
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"And we made a case, I made the case to the United Nations just in February as
to what we knew, and I showed drawings of a biological laboratory. We found that
biological laboratory, now everybody can see it."
Source: Ineterveiw with Italian TV Canale 5, Italian TV Canale 5 (6/2/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed the purpose of the trailers was
to produce biological weapons without disclosing that engineers from the Defense
Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most
likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons.
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"The biological weapons facilities, the mobile one that the DIA and CIA put a
paper out on the other day, I think make it clear that there is such a
capability that's existed over the years."
Source: Press Gaggle, State Dept (5/30/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed the purpose of the trailers was
to produce biological weapons without disclosing that engineers from the Defense
Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most
likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons.
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"The presentation I made on the 5th of February, where I put up the cartoons of
those biological vans, we didn't just make them up one night. Those were
eyewitness accounts of people who had worked in the program and knew what was
going on, multiple accounts. We have examined those vans repeatedly for the last
several weeks, and we are confident that's what they are. Now there will be
other theories that come from time to time -- oh, it was a hydrogen making thing
for balloons. No. But, there's not question in the mind of the intelligence
community as to what it was designed for. And so that is a case of clear solid
evidence."
Source: Press Gaggle, State Dept (5/30/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed the purpose of the trailers was
to produce biological weapons without disclosing that engineers from the Defense
Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most
likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons.
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"So far, we have found the biological weapons vans that I spoke about when I
presented the case to the United Nations on the 5th of February, and there is no
doubt in our minds now that those vans were designed for only one purpose, and
that was to make biological weapons."
Source: Interview with French Television 1, TF-1 (5/22/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed the purpose of the trailers was
to produce biological weapons without disclosing that engineers from the Defense
Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most
likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons.
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"The mobile vans that you may have been reading about, it is becoming clear that
these vans can have no other purpose than the production of biological weapons."
Source: Press Conference at the French American Press Club, State Dept
(5/22/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed the purpose of the trailers was
to produce biological weapons without disclosing that engineers from the Defense
Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most
likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons.
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"The intelligence community has really looked hard at these vans, and we can
find no other purpose for them. Although you cant find actual germs on them,
they have been cleaned and we don't know whether they have been used for that
purpose or not, but they were certainly designed and contructed for that
purpose. And we have taken our time on this one because we wanted to make sure
we got it right. And the intelligence community, I think, is convinced now that
that's the purpose they served."
Source: Remarks with Bahrain's Crown Prince Shaikh salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa
After Meeting, State Dept (5/21/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed the purpose of the trailers was
to produce biological weapons without disclosing that engineers from the Defense
Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most
likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons.
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"QUESTION: Do you think they will find any (WMDs)? SECRETARY POWELL: Yes, I am
quite sure. And, in fact, we have found a couple of items of equipment, some
mobile vans, so that with each passing day the evidence is clearer to us that
they were used for biological weapons purposes."
Source: Interview with ZDF Morgenmagazin, ZDF German Television (5/16/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed the purpose of the trailers was
to produce biological weapons without disclosing that engineers from the Defense
Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most
likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons.
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"We know they have chemical weapons."
Source: Interview on NPR with Juan Williams, NPR (3/25/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"QUESTION: Another rationale provided by the administration for action against
Saddam is his connection to al Qaida. Tom Friedman, in the New York Times, wrote
this: "I am also very troubled by the way Bush officials have tried to justify
this war on the grounds that Saddam is allied with Usama bin Laden or will be
soon. There is simply no proof of that, and every time I hear them repeat it, I
think of the Gulf of Tonkin resolution from the Vietnam times. You don't take
the country to war on the wings of a lie." SECRETARY POWELL: I dont think it's
a lie. I think there is information and evidence that there are connections. We
have talked about Mr. al-Zarqawi and some of the people who are in Baghdad who
are linked with al-Qaida and Usama bin Laden and who were there with the certain
knowledge of the Iraqi regime. We have seen connections and we are continuing to
pursue those connections. . . . And the fact that there is also an al-Qaida
connection, I think certainly adds to the case."
Source: Interview on NBC's Meet the Press with Tim Russert, NBC (3/9/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship.
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"Saddam Hussein has chemical weapons."
Source: Remarks to the United Nations Security Council, United Nations
(2/5/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"But what I want to bring to your attention today is the potentially much more
sinister nexus between Iraq and the Al Qaeda terrorist network, a nexus that
combines classic terrorist organizations and modern methods of murder. Iraq
today harbors a deadly terrorist network headed by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi an
associate and collaborator of Usama bin Laden and his al-Qaida lieutenants. . .
. From his terrorist network in Iraq, Zarqawi can direct his network in the
Middle East and beyond. . . . We are not surprised that Iraq is harboring
Zarqawi and his subordinates. This understanding builds on decades-long
experience with respect to ties between Iraq and al-Qaida. . . . A detained al-Qaida
member tells us that Saddam was more willing to assist al-Qaida after the 1998
bombings of our embassies . . . . Some believe, some claim, these contacts do
not amount to much. They say Saddam Hussein's secular tyranny and al-Qaida's
religious tyranny do not mix. I am not comforted by this thought. Ambition and
hatred are enough to bring Iraq and al-Qaida together, enough so al-Qaida could
learn how to build more sophisticated bombs and learn how to forge documents,
and enough so that al-Qaida could turn to Iraq for help in acquiring expertise
on weapons of mass destruction."
Source: Remarks to the United Nations Security Council, United Nations
(2/5/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This presentation was misleading because it heavily emphasized reports
supporting the assertion that a relationship between Iraq and Al Qaeda existed
that posed a real threat to the United States, when in fact the U.S.
intelligence community had conflicting evidence on this issue and was divided
regarding whether there was an operational relationship. While Secretary Powell,
unlike several other top administration officials, included a reference to the
fact that "some believe" that the contacts "don't amount to much," he did not
make clear that this was a view within the U.S. intelligence community, and
further he was dismissive of this position.
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"[H]e has made repeated covert attempts to aquire high-specification aluminum
tubes from 11 different countries, even after inspections resumed. These tubes
are controlled by the Nuclear Suppliers Group precisely because they can be used
as centrifuges for enriching uranium. By now, just about everyone has heard of
these tubes and we all know that there are differences of opinion. There is
controversy about what these tubes are for. Most US experts think they are
intended to serve as rotors in centrifuges used to enrich uranium."
Source: Remarks to the United Nations Security Council, United Nations
(2/5/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq sought aluminum
tubes for use in its nuclear weapons program, failing to mention that the
governments most experienced technical experts at the U.S. Department of Energy
concluded that the tubes were "poorly suited" for this purpose.
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"Our conservative estimate is that Iraq today has a stockpile of between 100 and
500 tons of chemical weapons agent. That is enough agent to fill 16,000
battlefield rockets. Even the low end of 100 tons of agent would enable Saddam
Hussein to cause mass casualties across more than 100 square miles of territory,
an area nearly five times the size of Manhattan."
Source: Remarks to the United Nations Security Council, United Nations
(2/5/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it evoked a lethal threat to millions of
individuals from Iraq's chemical weapons but failed to acknowledge that the U.S.
intelligence community had reported on Iraq's chemical wapons capabilities with
qualifiers and lack of specificity. In addition, the statement failed to
acknowledge a 2002 Defense Intelligence Agency report that concluded: "There is
no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing and stockpiling chemical
weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its chemical warfare agent
production facilities."
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"How do I know that? How can I say that? Let me give you a closer look. Look at
the image on the left. On the left is a close-up of one of the four chemical
bunkers. The two arrows indicate the presence of sure signs that the bunkers are
storing chemical munitions."
Source: Remarks to the United Nations Security Council, United Nations
(2/5/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"Now, umanned aerial vehicles, UAVs. Iraq has been working on a variety of UAVs
for more than a decade. This is just illustrative of what a UAV would look like.
This effort has included attempts to modify for unmanned flight the MiG-21 and,
with greater success, an aircraft called the L-29. However, Iraq is now
concentrating not on these airplanes but on developing and testing smaller UAVs
such as this. UAVs are well suited for dispensing chemical and biological
weapons. There is ample evidence that Iraq has dedicated much effort to
developing and testing spray devices that could be adapted for UAVs."
Source: Remarks to the United Nations Security Council, United Nations
(2/5/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed that Iraqs UAVs were intended
and able to spread chemical or biological weapons, but failed to mention that
the U.S. government agency most knowledgeable about UAVs and their potential
applications, the Air Forces National Air and Space Intelligence Center, had
the following view: the "U.S. Air Force does not agree that Iraq is developing
UAVs primarily intended to be delivery platforms for chemical and biological (CBW)
agents."
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"And, perhaps most critically, the President confirmed that Iraq has open
channels and ties to terrorist organizations, including al Qaeda."
Source: "We Will Not Shrink From War", Wall Street Journal (2/3/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship.
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"And we will also put forward additional information that will substantiate the
claim that they do have programs to develop chemical and biological weapons, as
well as nuclear weapons."
Source: Interview by RAI Television of Italy, RAI (1/29/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program. In addition, it failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence
Agency position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is
producing and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will --
establish its chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"I hope that you will understand, as we believe we understand, that this is a
danger, a danger to the world, for this kind of regime and this kind of man,
Saddam Hussein, to continue to develop weapons of mass destruction--chemical
weapons, biological weapons, nuclear weapons."
Source: Interview by RAI Television of Italy, RAI (1/29/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program. In addition, it failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence
Agency position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is
producing and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will --
establish its chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"QUESTION: What have you got on the other front linking Iraq with al Qaida and
Usama bin Laden? POWELL: We do have information that suggests that there have
been links over the years, and continue to be links, between the Iraqi
Government and al Qaida. And the more we look at this the more we are able to
look back in time and connect things with people who have come into our custody
and other information has become available to us. It's clear that there is a
link."
Source: Interveiw by ITN Television of Great Britain, ITN (1/29/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship.
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, you have spoken, in Davos most recently, about a
connection between Iraq and terrorist groups, including al Qaida. Are you saying
there is evidence that that has happened in the past, or is there evidence
currently that there's still a connection? SECRETARY POWELL: I think we have
said consistently all along, through last fall and into this year, that we have
seen contacts and connections between the Iraqi regime and terrorist
organizations, to include al Qaida. As we have been able to focus on this more
and look back in time, I think we're more confident of that assessment and we
see no reason not to believe that such contacts and the presence of al Qaida
elements or individuals in Iraq is a reasonable assumption, and we have some
basis for that assumption."
Source: Briefing on the Iraq Weapons Inspectors' 60-Day Report: Iraqi
Non-cooperation and Defiance of the UN, State Dept (1/27/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship.
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"The more we wait, the more chance there is for this dictator with clear ties to
terrorist groups, including al-Qaida, more time for him to pass a weapon, share
a technology, or use these weapons again."
Source: Remarks at the World Economic Forum, State Dept (1/26/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it evoked the threat of Iraq providing al
Qaeda with weapons of mass destruction. According to the National Intelligence
Estimate, the intelligence community had "low confidence" in that scenario.
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"Why is Iraq still trying to procure uranium and the special equipment needed to
transform it into material for nuclear weapons?"
Source: Remarks at the World Economic Forum, State Dept (1/26/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq sought to acquire
uranium despite the fact that the CIA expressed doubts about the credibility of
this claim in two memos to the White House, including one addressed to National
Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice. CIA Director George Tenet also warned against
using the claim in a telephone call to Ms. Rice's deputy. In addition, the
statement fails to mention that State Department intelligence officials also
concluded that this claim was "highly dubious."
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"QUESTION: You referred in your speech to the links between al-Qaida and Iraq.
Now, even some of our secret service chiefs say publicly there is no evidence of
that. SECRETARY POWELL: We do have evidence of it. We are not suggesting that
there is a 9/11 link, but we are suggesting -- we do have evidence -- of
connections over the years between Iraq and al-Qaida and other terrorist
organizations."
Source: Interview with European Editors, State Dept (1/26/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship.
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"We also know that Iraq has tried to obtain high-strength aluminum tubes which
can be used to enrich uranium in centrifuges for a nuclear weapons program."
Source: Press Conference on Iraq Declaration, State Dept (12/19/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq sought aluminum
tubes for use in its nuclear weapons program, failing to mention that the
governments most experienced technical experts at the U.S. Department of Energy
concluded that the tubes were "poorly suited" for this purpose.
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"During the four years since inspectors have been barred from Iraq, Hussein has
done everything he can to acquire and develop more weapons of mass destruction
-- whether biological, chemical or nuclear. He has no scruples about using the
weapons that he possesses or about providing them to terrorists should that suit
his interests."
Source: Baghdad's Moment of Truth, Washington Post (11/10/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program. In addition, it failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence
Agency position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is
producing and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will --
establish its chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"But the President also believes that this problem has to be dealt with, and if
the United Nations won't deal with it, then the United States, with other
likeminded nations, may have to deal with it. We would prefer not to go that
route, but the danger is so great, with respect to Saddam Hussein having weapons
of mass destruction, and perhaps even terrorists getting hold of such weapons,
that it is time for the international community to act, and if it doesn't act,
the President is prepared to act with likeminded nations."
Source: Interview by Ellen Ratner of Talk Radio News, Talk Radio News
(10/30/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq posed an urgent
threat despite the fact that the U.S. intelligence community had deep divisions
and divergent points of view regarding Iraq's weapons of mass destruction. As
Director of Central Intelligence George Tenet noted in February 2004, "Let me be
clear: analysts differed on several important aspects of these programs and
those debates were spelled out in the Estimate. They never said there was an
'imminent' threat."
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"[T]hey're trying to acquire nuclear weapons."
Source: Interview on the Oprah Winfrey Show, ABC (10/22/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program.
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"They have chemical weapons; they have biological weapons; they're trying to
acquire nuclear weapons."
Source: Interview on the Oprah Winfrey Show, ABC (10/22/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"We do know that he has stocks of biological weapons, chemical weapons."
Source: Interview on CNN's "Larry King Live", CNN (10/9/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"We destroyed some after the Gulf War with the inspection regime, but there is
no doubt in our mind that he still has chemical weapons stocks and he has the
capacity to produce more chemical weapons."
Source: Interview by Tony Snow and Brit Hume on Fox News Sunday, Fox News
(9/8/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"With respect to nuclear weapons, we are quite confident that he continues to
try to pursue the technology that would allow him to develop a nuclear weapon."
Source: Interview by Tony Snow and Brit Hume on Fox News Sunday, Fox News
(9/8/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program.
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"SECRETARY POWELL: We know that he has been working hard on developing a means
to disseminate those [chemical and biological] weapons. He had artillery, he had
rockets, and I'm sure he is looking at other technologies. We have evidence that
he has been looking at aerial vehicles. QUESTION: Drones? SECRETARY POWELL:
Drones."
Source: Interview by Tony Snow and Brit Hume on Fox News Sunday, Fox News
(9/8/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it evoked a threat of Iraq using UAVs to
spread biological and chemical agents, but failed to mention that the U.S.
government agency most knowledgeable about UAVs and their potential
applications, the Air Forces National Air and Space Intelligence Center, had
the following view: the "U.S. Air Force does not agree that Iraq is developing
UAVs primarily intended to be delivery platforms for chemical and biological (CBW)
agents."
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"QUESTION: I want to get to all that, but still a couple more questions on his
capabilities. If he were able to deploy right now his chemical and biological
stocks, how many people could he kill? SECRETARY POWELL: I don't know. It
depends on how he deployed them, where he deployed them. Chemical weapons are
different from biological weapons. And let's just recognize the fact that he has
them, he has used them before, and he has killed thousands of people in their
use."
Source: Interview by Tony Snow and Brit Hume on Fox News Sunday, Fox News
(9/8/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"There is no doubt that he has chemical weapons stocks."
Source: Interview by Tony Snow and Brit Hume on Fox News Sunday, Fox News
(9/8/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"People should be nervous about the fact that there is a country such as Iraq
with all that wealth available to it through oil, that is using that wealth to
develop chemical, biological and even nuclear weapons, if they could get their
hands on them, in order to threaten innocent people throughout the Persian Gulf
region, and in due course perhaps even threaten us here, this far away."
Source: CTV News Interview, CTV (6/13/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program. In addition, it failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence
Agency position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is
producing and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will --
establish its chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Secretary of State Colin Powell:
"What we have said to our Arab friends is you may not see Saddam Hussein the
same way we do, but you ought to, because those weapons of mass destruction that
he is developing -- chemical, biological, nuclear -- they're more likely than
not directed at one of you than us."
Source: Interview by Scott Pelley on CBS's 60 Minutes II (as aired), CBS
(4/3/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program. In addition, it failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence
Agency position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is
producing and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will --
establish its chemical warfare agent production facilities."
02-22-2008 She [Condoleezza Rice] can lick her elbow* if she thinks that Khartoum will kneel down to her conditions and accept pressure from her or the international communityLick
SOURCE:
Iraq on the Record
Presented by Rep. Henry A. Waxman
RICE LIES 29 statements:
Public Statement of National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice:
"On nuclear there was dissent on the extent of the program and how far along the
program might be. How much had he gone to reconstitute? But the judgment of the
intelligence community was that he had kept in place his infrastructure, that he
was trying to procure items. For instance, there's been a lot of talk about the
aluminum tubes but they were prohibited on the list of the nuclear suppliers
group for a reason."
Source: Meet the Press, NBC (9/28/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq sought aluminum
tubes for use in its nuclear weapons program, failing to mention that the
governments most experienced technical experts at the U.S. Department of Energy
concluded that the tubes were "poorly suited" for this purpose.
Public Statement of National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice:
"Saddam Hussein -- no one has said that there is evidence that Saddam Hussein
directed or controlled 9/11, but let's be very clear, he had ties to al-Qaeda,
he had al-Qaeda operatives who had operated out of Baghdad."
Source: Meet the Press, NBC (9/28/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship.
Public Statement of National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice:
"QUESTION: Do you believe, because this is continually a subject of debate, that
there was a link between al Qaeda and the regime of Saddam Hussein before the
war? MS. RICE: Absolutely. . . . But we know that there was training of al Qaeda
in chemical and perhaps biological warfare. We know that the Zarqawi was network
out of there, this poisons network that was trying to spread poisons throughout
. . . . And there was an Ansar al-Islam, which appears also to try to be
operating in Iraq. So yes, the al Qaeda link was there."
Source: Fox News Sunday, Fox News (9/7/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it asserted that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship. This statement also failed to mention that Ansar
al-Islam was based in the Kurdish area of Iraq beyond Saddam Hussein's control.
Public Statement of National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice:
"Going into the war against Iraq, we had very strong intelligence. I've been in
this business for 20 years. And some of the strongest intelligence cases that
I've seen, key judments by our intelligence community that Saddam Hussein . . .
had biological and chemical weapons . . . ."
Source: National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice Interview with ZDF German
Television, ZDF German Television (7/31/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the Defense
Intelligence Agency position that: "There is no reliable information on whether
Iraq is producing and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will
-- establish its chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice:
"Going into the war against Iraq, we had very strong intelligence. I've been in
this business for 20 years. And some of the strongest intelligence cases that
I've seen, key judgments by our intelligence community that Saddam Hussein could
have a nuclear weapons by the end of the decade, if left unchecked . . . that he
was trying to reconstitute his nuclear program."
Source: National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice Interview with ZDF German
Television, ZDF German Television (7/31/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program. The statement also failed to mention weeks of intensive
inspections conducted directly before the war in which United Nations inspectors
found no sign whatsoever of any effort by Iraq to resume its nuclear program.
Public Statement of National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice:
"[H]e had . . . an active procurement network to procure items, many of which,
by the way, were on the prohibited list of the nuclear suppliers group. There's
a reason that they were on the prohibited list of the nuclear supplies group:
Magnets, balancing machines, yes, aluminum tubes, about which the consensus view
was that they were suitable for use in centrifuges to spin material for nuclear
weapons."
Source: NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, PBS (7/30/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq sought aluminum
tubes for use in its nuclear weapons program, failing to mention that the
governments most experienced technical experts at the U.S. Department of Energy
concluded that the tubes were "poorly suited" for this purpose.
Public Statement of National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice:
"My only point is that, in retrospect, knowing that some of the documents
underneath may have been--were, indeed, forgeries, and knowing that apparently
there were concerns swirling around about this, had we known that at the time,
we would not have put it in. . . . And had there been even a peep that the
agency did not want that sentence in or that George Tenet did not want that
sentence in, that the director of Central Intelligence did not want it in, it
would have been gone."
Source: Face the Nation, CBS (7/13/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
Ms. Rice was responding to questions regarding how the claim that Iraq sought
uranium in Africa made it into the President's January 28, 2003, State of the
Union address. The statement that the Director of Central Intelligence and the
CIA did not object to the claim was false. In October 2002, the CIA expressed
doubts about the claim in two memos to the White House, including one addressed
to Ms. Rice. Director of Central Intelligence George Tenet also warned against
using the claim in a telephone call to Ms. Rices deputy in October 2002.
Public Statement of National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice:
"The only thing that was there in the NIE was a kind of a standard INR footnote,
which is kind of 59 pages away from the bulk of the NIE. That's the only thing
that's there. And you have footnotes all the time in CIA - I mean, in NIEs. So
if there was a concern about the underlying intelligence there, the President
was unaware of that concern and as was I."
Source: Press Gaggle with Ari Fleischer and Dr. Condoleezza Rice En Route
Entebbe, Uganda, White House (7/11/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was false. Ms. Rice was claiming in this statement that the
doubts intelligence officials had regarding the claim in the National
Intelligence Estimate that Iraq sought uranium in Africa were not communicated
to her. In fact, following the issuance of the National Intelligence Estimate,
the CIA expressed doubts about the uranium claim in two memos to the White
House, including one addressed to Ms. Rice. In addition, shortly after the
issuance of the NIE, Director of Central Intelligence George Tenet warned
against using the claim in a telephone call to Ms. Rice's deputy. Further, the
fact that INR objected to the NIE's nuclear statements was noted prominently in
the first paragraph of the NIE's key judgments.
Public Statement of National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice:
"Now, I can tell you, if the CIA, the Director of Central Intelligence, had
said, take this out of the speech, it would have been gone, without question.
What we've said subsequently is, knowing what we now know, that some of the
Niger documents were apparently forged, we wouldn't have put this in the
President's speech - but that's knowing what we know now."
Source: Press Gaggle with Ari Fleischer and Dr. Condoleezza Rice En Route
Entebbe, Uganda, White House (7/11/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
The statement that the CIA did not object to the uranium claim is false. In
October 2002, the CIA sent two memos to the White House, including one addressed
to Ms. Rice, that raised concerns about the claim. In addition, in October 2002,
Director of Central Intelligence George Tenet warned against using the claim in
a telephone call to Ms. Rices deputy.
Public Statement of National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice:
"[T]he NIE, which, by the way, the Agency was standing by at the time of the . .
. State of the Union, and was standing by at the time of the Secretary's speech,
has the yellow cake story in it. . . . Now, if there were doubts about the
underlying intelligence to that NIE, those doubts were not communicated to the
President, to the Vice President, or to me."
Source: Press Gaggle with Ari Fleischer and Dr. Condoleezza Rice En Route
Entebbe, Uganda, White House (7/11/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was false. Ms. Rice made this statement in response to a question
about why Secretary Powell had decided against using in his February 5, 2003,
remarks the claim that Iraq sought to acquire uranium whereas the President had
used the claim just a week earlier in his State of the Union address. The
October 1, 2002, National Intelligence Estimate Ms. Rice referenced in her
statement did contain the uranium claim. However, subsequent to the issuance of
the NIE, the CIA expressed doubts about the claim in two memos to the White
House, including one addressed to Ms. Rice. Shortly after the issuance of the
NIE, Director of Central Intelligence George Tenet also warned against using the
claim in a telephone call to Ms. Rices deputy.
Public Statement of National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice:
"So the process is an NIE that is the basis of this, and then if the Agency had
reservations about information that was in the NIE, then the DCI -- and I think
he will tell you that if he had reservations, he did not make those known to the
President, to the Vice President, or to me -- if he had reservations."
Source: Press Gaggle with Ari Fleischer and Dr. Condoleezza Rice En Route
Entebbe, Uganda, White House (7/11/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was false. Ms. Rice was claiming in this statement that the
doubts intelligence officials had regarding the claim in the National
Intelligence Estimate that Iraq sought uranium in Africa were not communicated
to her. In fact, following the issuance of the National Intelligence Estimate,
the CIA expressed doubts about the uranium claim in two memos to the White
House, including one addressed to Ms. Rice. In addition, shortly after the
issuance of the NIE, Director of Central Intelligence George Tenet warned
against using the claim in a telephone call to Ms. Rice's deputy.
Public Statement of National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice:
"QUESTION: [T]his is what appeared in the Washington Post: "A key piece of
evidence linking Iraq to a nuclear weapons program appears to have been
fabricated, the United Nations' chief nuclear inspector said in a report that
called into question U.S. and British claims about Iraq's secret nuclear
ambitions. . . . " In light of that, should the president retract those
comments? . . . MS. RICE: The president quoted a British paper. We did not know
at the time -- no one knew at the time, in our circles -- maybe someone knew
down in the bowels of the agency, but no one in our circles knew that there were
doubts and suspicions that this might be a forgery."
Source: Meet the Press, NBC (6/8/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
The statement that "no one knew" about the doubts regarding the uranium claim
was false. The statement contradicts the fact that the CIA in October 2002 had
expressed doubts about the uranium claim in two memos to the White House,
including one addressed to Ms. Rice. Director of Central Intelligence George
Tenet in October 2002 also had warned against using the claim in a telephone
call to Ms. Rices deputy. In addition, the statement contradicts the fact that
State Department intelligence officials had stated that this claim was "highly
dubious" in the October 2002 National Intelligence Estimate that had been
provided to top White House officials.
Public Statement of National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice:
"And there were other attempts to, to get yellow cake from Africa."
Source: This Week with George Stephanopolous, ABC (6/8/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq sought uranium from
Africa despite the fact that the CIA expressed doubts about the credibility of
this claim in two memos to the White House, including one addressed to National
Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice. CIA Director George Tenet also warned against
using the claim in a telephone call to Ms. Rice's deputy. In addition, the
statement fails to mention that State Department intelligence officials also
concluded that this claim was "highly dubious."
Public Statement of National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice:
"At the time that the State of the Union address was prepared, there were also
other sources that said that they were, the Iraqis were seeking yellow cake,
uranium oxide from Africa."
Source: This Week with George Stephanopolous, ABC (6/8/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq sought uranium from
Africa despite the fact that the CIA expressed doubts about the credibility of
this claim in two memos to the White House, including one addressed to National
Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice. CIA Director George Tenet also warned against
using the claim in a telephone call to Ms. Rice's deputy. In addition, the
statement fails to mention that State Department intelligence officials also
concluded that this claim was "highly dubious."
Public Statement of National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice:
"The intelligence community did not know at that time or at levels that got to
us that this, that there was serious questions about this report."
Source: This Week with George Stephanopolous, ABC (6/8/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was false. Ms. Rice made this statement in response to the
question of how the claim "The British government has learned that Saddam
Hussein recently sought significant quantities of uranium from Africa" made it
into the President's January 28, 2003, State of the Union address. Her statement
contradicted the fact that the CIA in October 2002 had expressed doubts about
the claim in two memos to the White House, including one addressed to Ms. Rice.
Director of Central Intelligence George Tenet also in October 2002 had warned
against using the claim in a telephone call to Ms. Rices deputy. In addition,
Ms. Rice's statement contradicted the fact that State Department intelligence
officials had stated that this claim was "highly dubious" in the October 2002
National Intelligence Estimate that had been provided to top White House
officials.
Public Statement of National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice:
"Already, we've discovered, uh, uh, trailers, uh, that look remarkably similar
to what Colin Powell described in his February 5th speech, biological weapons
production facilities."
Source: This Week with George Stephanopolous, ABC (6/8/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed the purpose of the trailers was
to produce biological weapons without disclosing that engineers from the Defense
Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most
likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons.
Public Statement of National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice:
"QUESTIONS: You are confident you will find weapons of mass destruction. MS.
RICE: We are confident that we -- I believe that we will find them. I think that
we have already found important clues like the biological weapons laboratories
that look surprisingly like what Colin Powell described in his speech."
Source: Meet the Press, NBC (6/8/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed the purpose of the trailers was
to produce biological weapons without disclosing that engineers from the Defense
Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most
likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons.
Public Statement of National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice:
"But let's remember what we've already found. Secretary Powell on February 5th
talked about a mobile, biological weapons capability. That has now been found
and this is a weapons laboratory trailers capable of making a lot of agent that
-- dry agent, dry biological agent that can kill a lot of people. So we are
finding these pieces that were described."
Source: Capital Report, CNBC (6/3/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed the purpose of the trailers was
to produce biological weapons without disclosing that engineers from the Defense
Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most
likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons.
Public Statement of National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice:
"QUESTION: OK. Let's be careful and precise here, because that's what this whole
argument going on right now is about. Do we know that those trailers were used
for developing biological weapons? MS. RICE: We know that these trailers look
exactly like what was described to us by multiple sources as the capabilities
for building or for making biological agents. We know that we have from multiple
sources who told us that then and sources who have confirmed it now. Now the
Iraqis were not stupid about this. They were able to conceal a lot. They've been
able to scrub things down. But I think when the whole picture comes out, we will
see that this was an active program."
Source: Capital Report, CNBC (6/3/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed the purpose of the trailers was
to produce biological weapons without disclosing that engineers from the Defense
Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most
likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons.
Public Statement of National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice:
"We have found, in Iraq, biological weapons laboratories that look precisely
like what Secretary Powell described in his February 5th report to the United
Nations."
Source: Dr. Rice Previews the President's Trip to Europe and the Middle East,
White House (5/28/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed the purpose of the trailers was
to produce biological weapons without disclosing that engineers from the Defense
Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most
likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons.
Public Statement of National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice:
"Now the al-Qaida is an organization that's quite disbursed and --and quite
widespread in its effects, but it clearly has had links to the Iraqis, not to
mention Iraqi links to all kinds of other terrorists. And what we do not want is
the day when Saddam Hussein decides that he's had enough of dealing with
sanctions, enough of dealing with, quote, unquote, "containment," enough of
dealing with America, and it's time to end it on his terms, by transferring one
of these weapons, just a little vial of something, to a terrorist for blackmail
or for worse."
Source: Face the Nation, CBS (3/9/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship. This statement also was misleading because it evoked
the threat of Iraq providing al Qaeda with weapons of mass destruction.
According to the National Intelligence Estimate, the intelligence community had
"low confidence" in that scenario.
Public Statement of National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice:
"Well, we are, of course, continually learning more about these links between
Iraq and al Qaeda, and there is evidence that Secretary Powell did not have the
time to talk about. But the core of the story is there in what Secretary Powell
talked about. This poisons network with at least two dozen of its operatives
operating in Baghdad, a man who is spreading poisons now throughout Europe and
into Russia, a man who got medical care in Baghdad despite the fact that the
Iraqis were asked to turn him over, training in biological and chemical
weapons."
Source: Fox News Sunday, Fox News (2/16/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship.
Public Statement of National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice:
"QUESTION: Is there any question in your mind about the al Qaeda connection? Did
Powell totally convince people today in that area? RICE: There is no question in
my mind about the al Qaeda connection. It is a connection that has unfolded,
that we're learning more about as we are able to take the testimony of
detainees, people who were high up in the al Qaeda organization. And what
emerges is a picture of a Saddam Hussein who became impressed with what al Qaeda
did after it bombed our embassies in 1998 in Kenya and Tanzania, began to give
them assistance in chemical and biological weapons, something that they were
having trouble achieving on their own, that harbored a terrorist network under
this man Zarqawi, despite the fact that Saddam Hussein was told that Zarqawi was
there."
Source: Larry King Live, CNN (2/5/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it asserted that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship.
Public Statement of National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice:
"For example, the declaration fails to account for or explain Iraqs efforts to
get uranium from abroad . . ."
Source: Why We Know Iraq Is Lying, NYT (1/23/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq sought to acquire
uranium despite the fact that the CIA expressed doubts about the credibility of
this claim in two memos to the White House, including one addressed to National
Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice. CIA Director George Tenet also warned against
using the claim in a telephone call to Ms. Rice's deputy. In addition, the
statement fails to mention that State Department intelligence officials also
concluded that this claim was "highly dubious."
Public Statement of National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice:
"MS. RICE: There is plenty to indict Saddam Hussein without a direct link to
9/11. He clearly has links to terrorism. QUESTION: All right. And links to
terrorism would include al Qaeda? I just want to be certain. MS. RICE: Links to
terrorism would include al Qaeda, yes."
Source: Fox News Sunday, Fox News (9/15/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it asserted that Iraq was linked to al
Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting evidence on this
issue and was divided regarding whether there was an operational relationship.
Public Statement of National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice:
"We do know that there have been shipments going . . . into Iraq . . . of
aluminum tubes that really are only suited to -- high-quality aluminum tools
[sic] that are only really suited for nuclear weapons programs, centrifuge
programs."
Source: Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer, CNN (9/8/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was false. The governments most experienced technical experts at
the U.S. Department of Energy concluded that the tubes were "poorly suited" for
this purpose, and intelligence officials at the State Department concurred in
this view.
Public Statement of National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice:
"We do know that he is actively pursuing a nuclear weapon."
Source: Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer, CNN (9/8/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program.
Public Statement of National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice:
"We know that he has the infrastructure, nuclear scientists to make a nuclear
weapon."
Source: Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer, CNN (9/8/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program.
Public Statement of National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice:
"The problem here is that there will always be some uncertainty about how
quickly he can acquire nuclear weapons. But we dont want the smoking gun to be
a mushroom cloud."
Source: Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer, CNN (9/8/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it starkly evoked a threat of Iraq
detonating a nuclear bomb when the intelligence community was deeply divided
regarding whether Iraq was actively pursuing its nuclear weapons program.
SOURCE: Iraq on the
Record
Presented by Rep. Henry A. Waxman
RUMSFELD LIES 52
statements:
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"He has, at this moment, stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons."
Source: Testimony of U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld before the
House Armed Services Committee, House Armed Services Committee (9/18/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"The problem with that is the way one gains absolutely certainty as to whether a
dicatator like Saddam Hussein has nuclear weapons is if he uses it, and that's a
little late."
Source: Secretary Rumsfeld's Interview on Face the Nation, CBS (9/8/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it starkly evoked a threat of Iraq
detonating a nuclear bomb when the intelligence community was deeply divided
regarding whether Saddam Hussein was divided on whether Iraq was actively
pursuing its nuclear weapons program.
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"[T]hey have weaponized chemical weapons, we know that."
Source: Secretary Rumsfeld Media Availability at Kuwait City International
Airport, Department of Defense (6/10/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"[M]ost of them or some of them have very aggressive programs to develop nuclear
weapons; certainly Iran does, certainly Iraq does, and there are others
including North Korea."
Source: News Hour, PBS (5/22/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program.
Displaying all statements of 52 statement(s) found:
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"We said from the outset that there are several terrorist networks that have
global reach and that there were several countries that were harboring
terrorists that have global reach. We weren't going into Iraq when we were hit
on September 11. And the question is: Well, what do you do about that? If you
know there are terrorists and you know there's terrorist states -- Iraq's been a
terrorist state for decades -- and you know there are countries harboring
terrorists, we believe, correctly, I think, that the only way to deal with it is
-- you can't just hunker down and hope they won't hit you again. You simply have
to take the battle to them. And we have been consistently working on the Al
Qaeda network. We've captured a large number of those folks -- captured or
killed -- just as we've now captured or killed a large number of the top 55
Saddam Hussein loyalists."
Source: Meet the Press, NBC (11/2/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because by referencing the September 11 attacks in
conjunction with discussion of the war on terror in Iraq, it left the impression
that Iraq was connected to September 11. In fact, President Bush himself in
September 2003 acknowledged that "Weve had no evidence that Saddam Hussein was
involved with September the 11th."
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"We said they had a nuclear program. That was never any debate."
Source: This Week with George Stephanopoulos, ABC (7/13/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was false because there were deep divisions within the
intelligence community on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program. The statement also failed to mention weeks of intensive
inspections conducted directly before the war in which United Nations inspectors
found no sign whatsoever of any effort by Iraq to resume its nuclear program.
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"Now people are saying, "Well, why haven't we found anything?" And I would
respond by saying, A, it's going take some time, and B, we have found things.
The CIA very recently, I believe, issued a declassified document on their
website, where someone can actually go and find photographs and data that
discusses these mobile laboratories, which are precisely what Secretary Powell
talked about to the United Nations."
Source: Town Hall Meeting with Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld,
Infinity-CBS Radio (5/29/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed the purpose of the trailers was
to produce biological weapons without disclosing that engineers from the Defense
Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most
likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons.
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"And within the last week or two, they have in fact captured and have in custody
two of the mobile trailers that Secretary Powell talked about at the United
Nations as being biological weapons laboratories. We have people who are telling
that they worked in these vehicles. And they look at panels and say, "That was
my work station in that panel, and that's what it's for.""
Source: Town Hall Meeting with Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld,
Infinity-CBS Radio (5/29/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed the purpose of the trailers was
to produce biological weapons without disclosing that engineers from the Defense
Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most
likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons.
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"We believed then, and we believe now, that the Iraqis . . . had a program to
develop nuclear weapons, but did not have nuclear weapons. That is what the
United Kingdom's intelligence suggested as well. We still believe that."
Source: Town Hall Meeting with Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld,
Infinity-CBS Radio (5/29/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program. The statement also failed to mention that weeks of intensive
inspections conducted directly before the war in which United Nations inspectors
found no sign whatsoever of any effort by Iraq to resume its nuclear program.
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"My personal view is we're going to find them, just as we found these two mobile
laboratories."
Source: Town Hall Meeting with Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld,
Infinity-CBS Radio (5/29/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed the purpose of the trailers was
to produce biological weapons without disclosing that engineers from the Defense
Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most
likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons.
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"QUESTION: Weapons of mass destruction, we are still searching. No conclusive
evidence as of yet, I'm sure you've heard the criticism. Were, as perhaps
Senator Byrd suggested, were we misled about the weapons of mass destruction?
SECRETARY RUMSFELD: Oh I don't believe so, I think the intelligence community
provided the best intelligence available and that we will find additional
substantiating evidence of that. Colin Powell if you may recall at the UN
mentioned the existence of these mobile biological laboratories and two of those
are now in our custody and they seem to look very much like precisely what Colin
Powell said would exist."
Source: Secretary Interview with WNYW-TV, Fox News (5/27/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it claimed the purpose of the trailers was
to produce biological weapons without disclosing that engineers from the Defense
Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most
likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons.
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"The area in the south and the west and the north that coalition forces control
is, is substantial. It happens not to be the area where weapons of mass
destruction were dispersed. We know where they are. They're in the area around
Tikrit and Baghdad and east, west, south, and north somewhat. Second, the kernel
facilities, there are dozens of them, it is a large geographic area . . . I
would also add that we saw from the air there were dozens of trucks that went
into that facility after the existence of it became public in the press, and
they moved things out. They dispersed them and took them away. So there may be
nothing left. I don't know that. But it's way too soon to know. The exploration
is just starting."
Source: This Week with George Stephanopolous, ABC (3/30/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"We have seen . . . intelligence over--over months, over many months that they
have chemical and biological weapons, and that they have dispersed them and that
they're weaponized . . . ."
Source: Secretary Donald Rumsfeld discusses the war in Iraq, CBS (3/23/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"With each passing day, Saddam Hussein advances his arsenal of weapons of mass
destruction and could pass them along to terrorists. If he is allowed to do so,
the result could be the deaths not of 3,000 people, as on September 11th, but of
30,000, or 300,000 or more innocent people."
Source: Donald H. Rumsfeld Delivers Remarks to American Troops, Defense
Department (3/20/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq posed an imminent
threat despite the fact that the U.S. intelligence community had deep divisions
and divergent points of view regarding Iraq's weapons of mass destruction. As
Director of Central Intelligence George Tenet noted in February 2004, "Let me be
clear: analysts differed on several important aspects of these programs and
those debates were spelled out in the Estimate. They never said there was an
'imminent' threat."
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"He claims to have no chemical or biological weapons, yet we know that he
continues to hide biological or chemical weapons, moving them to different
locations as often as every 12 to 24 hours, and placing them in residential
neighborhoods."
Source: Donald Rumsfeld and Richard Myers Hold Regular Department of Defense
Briefing, Defense Department (3/11/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"QUESTION: There've been a lot of reports . . . In regard to these . . . very
small aircraft, that potentially could deliver biological things. . . SECRETARY
RUMSFELD: They come in a variety of sizes and shapes and capabilities. They are
perfectly capable of being equipped with spraying and aerosol-type capabilities.
Today with global position systems, GPS, and the kinds of maps that one can buy
readily, these types of things can be purchased and used and guided and directed
with great precision and capable of dispensing those kinds of weapons. They do
exist. We know that Iraq has a number of so-called UAVs, unmanned aerial
vehicles, of different types, that they train with them and exercise them."
Source: Donald Rumsfeld Delivers Remarks to the Hoover Institute Meeting, State
Dept (2/25/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it implied that Iraqs UAVs were intended
and able to spread chemical or biological weapons, but failed to mention that
the U.S. government agency most knowledgeable about UAVs and their potential
applications, the Air Forces National Air and Space Intelligence Center, had
the following view: the "U.S. Air Force does not agree that Iraq is developing
UAVs primarily intended to be delivery platforms for chemical and biological (CBW)
agents."
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, today in a broadcast interview Saddam Hussein said:
"There is only one truth, Iraq has no weapons of mass destruction whatsoever."
And he went on to say, "I would like to tell you directly we have no
relationship with Al Qaida." SECRETARY RUMSFELD: And Abraham Lincoln was short."
Source: Donald Rumsfeld Holds Defense Department Briefing, Defense Department
(2/4/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship.
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"You have a country that is out in the world buying things that are necessary
for the development and progress in their . . . nuclear programs."
Source: Donald Rumsfeld and Richard Myers Hold Regular Defense Department
Briefing, Defense Department (1/29/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program.
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"The regime plays host to terrorists, including Al Qaida, as the president
indicated."
Source: Donald Rumsfeld and Richard Myers Hold Regular Defense Department
Briefing, Defense Department (1/29/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it asserted that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship.
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"His regime has the design for a nuclear weapon, was working on several
different methods of enriching uranium, and recently was discovered seeking
significant quantities of uranium from Africa."
Source: Donald Rumsfeld and Richard Myers Hold Regular Defense Department
Briefing, Defense Department (1/29/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it asserted that Iraq sought uranium from
Africa despite the fact that the CIA had expressed doubts about the credibility
of this claim in two memos to the White House, including one addressed to
National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice. Director of Central Intelligence
George Tenet also had warned against using the claim in a telephone call to Ms.
Rices deputy. In addition, the statement failed to mention that State
Department intelligence officials had concluded that this claim was "highly
dubious."
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"His regime has the design for a nuclear weapon, was working on several
different methods of enriching uranium . . . ."
Source: Donald Rumsfeld and Richard Myers Hold Regular Defense Department
Briefing, Defense Department (1/29/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program.
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"And he has an active program to acquire and develop nuclear weapons."
Source: Donald Rumsfeld Addresses the Conference of Army Reserve Operators,
Defense Department (1/20/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program.
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"Saddam Hussein possesses chemical and biological weapons."
Source: Donald Rumsfeld Addresses the Conference of Army Reserve Operators,
Defense Department (1/20/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"Saddam Hussein's regime is a grave and gathering danger. It's a danger to its
neighbors, to the United States, to the Middle East and to the international
peace and stability. It's a danger we cannot ignore."
Source: Donald Rumsfeld Addresses the Conference of Army Reserve Operators,
Defense Department (1/20/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq posed an urgent
threat despite the fact that the U.S. intelligence community had deep divisions
and divergent points of view regarding Iraq's weapons of mass destruction. As
Director of Central Intelligence George Tenet noted in February 2004, "Let me be
clear: analysts differed on several important aspects of these programs and
those debates were spelled out in the Estimate. They never said there was an
'imminent' threat."
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"Iraq poses a threat to the security of our people and to the stability of the
world that is distinct from any other."
Source: Donald Rumsfeld Addresses the Conference of Army Reserve Operators,
Defense Department (1/20/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq posed an urgent
threat despite the fact that the U.S. intelligence community had deep divisions
and divergent points of view regarding Iraq's weapons of mass destruction. As
Director of Central Intelligence George Tenet noted in February 2004, "Let me be
clear: analysts differed on several important aspects of these programs and
those debates were spelled out in the Estimate. They never said there was an
'imminent' threat."
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"The problem with Iraq is chemical or biological weapons today . . . ."
Source: Donald Rumsfeld Holds Defense Department Briefing, Defense Department
(1/7/2003).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, the United States has categorically said that Iraq has
an active . . . nuclear weapons program. SECRETARY RUMSFELD: Because they do."
Source: DoD News Briefing - Secretary Rumsfeld and Gen. Myers, Defense
Department (12/3/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program.
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"[T]here is no question but that there have been interactions between the Iraqi
government, Iraqi officials, and al-Qaeda operatives. They have occurred over a
span of some eight or ten years to our knowledge. There are currently al-Qaeda
in Iraq."
Source: Secretary Rumsfeld Live Interview with Infinity CBS Radio, Infinity-CBS
Radio (11/14/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship.
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"Well, we know that Saddam Hussein has chemical and biological weapons."
Source: Secretary Rumsfeld Live Interview with Infinity CBS Radio, Infinity-CBS
Radio (11/14/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"Now, transport yourself forward a year, two years, or a week, or a month, and
if Saddam Hussein were to take his weapons of mass destruction and transfer
them, either use himself, or transfer them to the Al-Qaeda, and somehow the
Al-Qaeda were to engage in an attack on the United States, or an attack on U.S.
forces overseas, with a weapon of mass destruction you're not talking about 300,
or 3,000 people potentially being killed, but 30,000, or 100,000 . . . human
beings."
Source: Secretary Rumsfeld Live Interview with Infinity CBS Radio, Infinity-CBS
Radio (11/14/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because, by evoking the specter of thousands of
deaths in a time frame as short as "a week, or a month," it suggested that Iraq
posed an urgent threat. The U.S. intelligence community, however, had deep
divisions and divergent points of view regarding Iraq's weapons of mass
destruction. Further, according to the National Intelligence Estimate, the
intelligence community had "low confidence" regarding whether Iraq would provide
al Qaeda with weapons of mass destruction.
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"And we know that he has an active program for the development of nuclear
weapons."
Source: Secretary Rumsfeld Live Interview with Infinity CBS Radio, Infinity-CBS
Radio (11/14/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program.
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"His regime has an active program to acquire and develop nuclear weapons."
Source: Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Defense Department (9/27/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program.
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"They have amassed large clandestine stockpiles of chemical weapons including VX
and sarin and mustard gas."
Source: Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Defense Department (9/27/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"Second, they question . . . what is the proof that Iraq has nuclear weapons?
Where's the smoking gun? . . . But if you think about it, the last thing we
should want is a smoking gun. A gun doesn't smoke until it has been fired and
the goal has to be to stop such an attack before it starts. As the President
told the United Nations, 'The first time we may be completely certain that a
terrorist has nuclear weapons is when, God forbid,' he said, 'they use one.'""
Source: Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Defense Department (9/27/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it starkly evoked a threat of Iraq
detonating a nuclear bomb when the intelligence community was deeply divided
regarding whether Saddam Hussein was divided on whether Iraq was actively
pursuing its nuclear weapons program.
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"Since we began after September 11th, we do have solid evidence of the presence
in Iraq of al Qaeda members, including some that have been in Baghdad. We have
what we consider to be very reliable reporting of senior-level contacts going
back a decade, and of possible chemical- and biological-agent training. And when
I say contacts, I mean between Iraq and al Qaeda. The reports of these contacts
have been increasing since 1998. We have what we believe to be credible
information that Iraq and al Qaeda have discussed safe haven opportunities in
Iraq, reciprocal non-aggression discussions. We have what we consider to be
credible evidence that al Qaeda leaders have sought contacts in Iraq who could
help them acquire weapon of -- weapons of mass destruction capabilities. We do
have -- I believe it's one report indicating that Iraq provided unspecified
training relating to chemical and/or biological matters for al Qaeda members.
There is, I'm told, also some other information of varying degrees of
reliability that supoprts that conclusion of their cooperation."
Source: Defense Department Regular Briefing, Defense Department (9/26/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it asserted that Iraq was providing
support to al Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting
evidence on this issue and was divided regarding whether there was an
operational relationship. This statement also was misleading because it evoked
the threat of Iraq providing al Qaeda with weapons of mass destruction.
According to the National Intelligence Estimate, the intelligence community had
"low confidence" in that scenario.
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"He's amassed large, clandestine stockpiles of chemical weapons, including VX,
sarin and mustard gas."
Source: Testimony of U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld, Senate Armed
Services Committee (9/19/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"[N]o terrorist state poses a greater or more immediate threat to the security
of our people than the regime of Saddam Hussein and Iraq."
Source: Testimony of U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld, Senate Armed
Services Committee (9/19/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq posed an urgent
threat despite the fact that the U.S. intelligence community had deep divisions
and divergent points of view regarding Iraq's weapons of mass destruction. As
Director of Central Intelligence George Tenet noted in February 2004, "Let me be
clear: analysts differed on several important aspects of these programs and
those debates were spelled out in the Estimate. They never said there was an
'imminent' threat."
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"His regime has an active program to aquire nuclear weapons."
Source: Testimony of U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld, Senate Armed
Services Committee (9/19/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program.
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"He . . . is aggressively pursuing nuclear weapons."
Source: Testimony of U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld, Senate Armed
Services Committee (9/19/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program.
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"He has stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons."
Source: Testimony of U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld, Senate Armed
Services Committee (9/19/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"We do know that the Iraqi regime . . . they're pursuing nuclear weapons."
Source: Testimony of U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld, Senate Armed
Services Committee (9/19/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program.
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"We do know that the Iraqi regime has chemical and biological weapons of mass
destruction."
Source: Testimony of U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld, Senate Armed
Services Committee (9/19/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"Iraq is part of the global war on terror. Stopping terrorist regimes from
acquiring weapons of mass destruction is a key objective of that war, and we can
fight the various elements of the global war on terror simultaneously, as
General Myers will indicate in his remarks. A principle goal in the war on
terror is to prevent another September 11th or a weapons of mass destruction
attack that could make September 11th seem modest by comparison, and to do it
before it happens."
Source: Testimony of U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld, Senate Armed
Services Committee (9/19/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because by referencing the September 11 attacks in
conjunction with discussion of the war on terror in Iraq, it left the impression
that Iraq was connected to September 11. In fact, President Bush himself in
September 2003 acknowledged that "Weve had no evidence that Saddam Hussein was
involved with September the 11th."
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"It is the nexus between an Al-Qaeda type network and other terrorist network
and a terrorist state like Saddam Hussein who has that weapons of mass
destruction. As we sit here, there are senior Al-Qaeda in Iraq. They are there."
Source: Secretary Rumsfeld Interview with Jim Lehrer, PBS (9/18/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was linked to al
Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting evidence on this
issue and was divided regarding whether there was an operational relationship.
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"Well, there's no question but that Iraq has relationships with countries that
are on the terrorist list. They also have relations with terrorist networks.
They also have al Qaeda currently in the country, among other -- Abu Nidal just,
they say, committed suicide with four or five slugs to the head; that's a hard
thing to do -- but he was in Iraq. So there's no question about those
relationships."
Source: Testimony of U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld before the
House Armed Services Committee, House Armed Services Committee (9/18/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it suggested that Iraq was linked to al
Qaeda. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community had conflicting evidence on this
issue and was divided regarding whether there was an operational relationship.
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"But I can say obviously that they have had an enormous appetite for weapons,
biological and chemical weapons. They've taken these capabilities and weaponized
them. They are continuing to do so today."
Source: Testimony of U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld before the
House Armed Services Committee, House Armed Services Committee (9/18/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"[W]e do know they're currently pursuing nuclear weapons, that they have a
proven willingness to use those weapons at their disposal."
Source: Testimony of U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld before the
House Armed Services Committee, House Armed Services Committee (9/18/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program.
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"We do know that the Iraqi regime currently has chemical and biological weapons
of mass destruction."
Source: Testimony of U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld before the
House Armed Services Committee, House Armed Services Committee (9/18/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"His regime has an active program to acquire and develop nuclear weapons."
Source: Testimony of U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld before the
House Armed Services Committee, House Armed Services Committee (9/18/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program.
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"His regime has amassed large clandestine stockpiles of chemical weapons,
including VX and sarin and mustard gas."
Source: Testimony of U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld before the
House Armed Services Committee, House Armed Services Committee (9/18/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"And he is agressively pursuing nuclear weapons. The region knows that."
Source: Testimony of U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld before the
House Armed Services Committee, House Armed Services Committee (9/18/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it failed to acknowledge the intelligence
community's deep division on the issue of whether Iraq was actively pursuing its
nuclear program.
Public Statement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"And he has biological and chemical weapons."
Source: Testimony of U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld before the
House Armed Services Committee, House Armed Services Committee (9/18/2002).
Why This Statement is Misleading:
This statement was misleading because it professed certainty when the
intelligence community provided only an "estimate." According to CIA Director
George Tenet, "it is important to underline the word estimate. Because not
everything we analyze can be known to a standard of absolute proof." In
addition, the statement failed to acknowledge the Defense Intelligence Agency
position that: "There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing
and stockpiling chemical weapons or where Iraq has -- or will -- establish its
chemical warfare agent production facilities."