Abstract

Bush the Misleader

Comments on U.S. President George W. Bush's justifications for going to war with Iraq, arguing that Bush continues to mislead the American people and the international community about the real reasons for the conflict. Examples of statements by Bush that are allegedly misleading, including assertions about the threat posed by Saddam Hussein, Saddam's past use of weapons of mass destruction, the role of the United Nations in Iraq and the tolerance and openess shown by members of the Iraqi Governing Council; Confusion resulting from conflicting statements made by Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney about whether Saddam Hussein was involved with the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001; Statements by Donald Rumsfeld, Condoleezza Rice, and other members of the Bush administration regarding weapons inspections; Claim that, according to author David Corn, lying has been one of the essential tools of the Bush presidency; Speculation that the American public are starting to doubt Bush's word; Admission by Rumsfeld that he sometimes overstates for emphasis; Comment by UN General Secretary Kofi Annan on the threat to peace and stability posed by pre-emption and unilateralism.