Iraq war my biggest regret, Bush admits
So what is next? After killing thousands of people one man can say "Oh it was a mistake" #%$#%&%^*&$#%
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/dec/02/george-bush-iraq-interview
George Bush, in a moment of reflection ahead of his departure from the White House, last night admitted that the decision to go to war against Saddam Hussein on the basis of flawed intelligence was the biggest regret of his presidency. The acknowledgment marks the first time that Bush has publicly expressed doubts about his rationale for going to war on Iraq.
In the run-up to the war, the White House adopted a position of absolute certainty that Saddam had weapons of mass destruction, basing its arguments on intelligence that was later exposed as flimsy and wrong.
"The biggest regret of all the presidency has to have been the intelligence failure in Iraq," Bush told ABC television in an interview scheduled for broadcast last night. "I wish the intelligence had been different, I guess." But he followed that moment of candour with an attempt to try to deflect charges that the White House misled Congress and the public to build a case for war, arguing that there had been widespread belief that Saddam had a nuclear arsenal.
"It wasn't just people in my administration; a lot of members in Congress, prior to my arrival in Washington DC, during the debate on Iraq, a lot of leaders of nations around the world, were all looking at the same intelligence."
He was not asked about allegations that political pressure was brought to bear on the CIA and other intelligence agencies in the run-up to the war.
The exit interview found Bush in an unusually reflective mood for a president who has famously refused in the past to admit any mistakes. He did not go so far as to say he would not have gone to war if the intelligence had been correct.
"That's an interesting question. That is a do-over that I can't do," Bush said, according to excerpts from the interview at Camp David. Later he said: "I will leave the presidency with my head held high."
Despite the flawed basis for the invasion of Iraq, Bush defended his decision to leave US forces in the country.
Though Iraq remains among his defining legacies, he said he had not anticipated going to war when he was running for the White House. "I was unprepared for war. In other words, I didn't campaign and say, 'Please vote for me, I'll be able to handle an attack'. I didn't anticipate war."
I am not a prophet nor an analyst, but I strongly believe a great war is coming up..perhaps world war 3..
a whole country (Iraq) is destroyed based on perfect lies...I see the same trend being applied to Syria and Iran...
No wonder that Anthony Hopkins is ashamed of being an American citizen...he also mentioned that Israel means war and destruction and that America is behind this war...
No wonder that Mel Gibson identifies Jews as the source behind the destruction of earth and wishes to fight against them...
No wonder that George Clooney said that Bush, Sharone, Tony Blair, Olmert and Condoleza Rice are names which history will eternaly curse.
No wonder that Dustin Hoffman says: Humanity does not exist anymore due to Israel..
No wonder that Alpathchino says look at Israel's history to see who is the terrorist..
No one can deny that US and Israel are two sides of the same coin...I don't know any US president who did not use the card of blind support to Israel to win the election..when we condemn Israel..US is automatically condemned..
Good words I hope that one day we will be able to learn how to live together in peace.
"What doesn't kill me; makes me stronger..."
this b*stard had decided before he even took office that he would have Gulf War 2. After all, Saddam tried to kill his dad. He made up some crap about WMD which was a huge lie.
And now he is LYING a second time round that he didn't mean to do it.. it was someone else's fault!
The war that brought the End of Empire to America. Crikey. He should be sorry.
You will all hammer me down but I would like to say that for the first I admire this "criminal" Bush for finally admitting his mistake. That was brave on his part...Our previous Prime Minister Tony Blair has never had the ,balls to say he is sorry and regretted he followed and danced to the tunes of the older di*k head Bush. Now he is, quite ironically sitting in the chair of Peace Envoy to the Middle East which he destroyed with Bush. All he knew was to wave with with his big mouth opened showing his teeth. How close to a rat does he look like in the newspaper caricatures. He and the big fat Lard Gordon has ruined Britain.
I would like to see Bush and Blair charged as war criminals...but it won't happen not in my wildest dreams because these are powerful men. They made this world a dangerous place to live with their political agenda and greed. The have ruined the future of my kids and the young kids of this earth.!!! Arrgggh!!!
Good Joke, he's a real comedian!!
The strangest comment was that "He wasn't prepared for war"..
All presidents know that they are the Head Honcho , when it comes to war. The buck stops with them. So, he should have been prepared.
as i remember, the chief investigator for the weapons of mass destruction resigned from the post, when he gave the report that he didn't get any clue for WMD as report was rejected by higher authorities.
I am not fulfilled with hate. The thing that I am saying, as some of American's accept here: there were wrong decisions made by the people governing you. You are saying cold war OK than are you in Iraq because of cold of War? It is over many years ago I guess. Correct me if I am wrong. For the rest of countries you are saying cold war but what your previous governments has done was not very cold I guess?
I am not into war subject only, let me give another example: it is about Kyoto protocol. Even though The United States was, as of at least 2005,the largest per capital emitter of carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels. Your government doesn't care how much they are destroying the earth. "The United States (U.S.), although a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol, has neither ratified nor withdrawn from the Protocol. The signature alone is symbolic, as the Kyoto Protocol is non-binding on the United States unless ratified." [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyoto_Protocol#United_States] There is protocol agreed on it but your previous governments were saying "Oh OK keep up with the good work; do what I say but do not do what I do. I will keep making earth less worth for living but I agree that you shall make restrictions for yourself"
I understand that when there is power and no control mechanism; indeed it will be out of control sometimes. Like Germany and France were against the invasion of Iraq; but US urged them to keep their silence. The effort was not enough for two European countries to stop the invasion or Iraq War whatever you name it. Here the public of US has something to do. And they did with the last election. Hope it will work.
Consequently, I hope US public; who has peaceful mind and caring about the rest of the world will be governed in a better way instead of fear.
"What doesn't kill me; makes me stronger..."
I'm lost in your translation.
The Seven Words You Can Never Say On QL by George Carlin
There is nothing wrong in that- this is American policy-KILL the MAN and Say SORRY at the end.
Lets follow America- KILL BUSH then we will say SORRY after that! Will they (American) accept???
Default Nick said:
because your government was helpful and you went to Vietnam, Afghanistan, Somalia, Iraq and other countries with humanistic feelings only? It is funny if you believe so. ;)
I understand that you must be reading, the new version 1.1 and latest revision of that History book in your school. You probably skip the cold war era.
The Seven Words You Can Never Say On QL by George Carlin
Don't judge me because of him, First of all I never voted for him.
The mind:
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
The brain:
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
Human Race:
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
Religion:
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
God
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
Nationalities
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
The Politics:
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and the world is full of them.
Terrorism
The world full of them, hating everyone and who ever they disagree with them.
Wars
Every nation in the world has their own conflicts internally and outside their own borders. Some are ugly than others. Don't blame us for everything that goes wrong in this F**king world.
Who provoke us?
Remember 9-11 ASSH*&LES!
Guess what? We are living IRAQ in 3 years signed approved by their own government.
Americans
We voted black and white to show the world, we are ready for a new change.
It is time for a change, Don't you get it?
Are you accepting the change?, We did it?, Why not you?
Let me repeat it again: We Americans are ready for a change, we are tired of the current international and local crisis affecting us and everyone "Else's BULLS*8T."
PS
I Need the shoulder of my cousins the British to lean on, from this moment on.
Whispering to ears of my British cousins: Why do you still have the white boys club in power? Don't you get it? It is time for you to change too Biatch..
The Seven Words You Can Never Say On QL by George Carlin
"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"
and Obama will be a good leader. Do you really believe that we need to wait for eight years to judge Obama? Tell me you are kidding. Was the Bush we see now the same Bush before his first election?
"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"
So I always prepare myself for the worst and hope for the best.
"What doesn't kill me; makes me stronger..."
Common guys,
Let's not speculate based on past events.
Have some hope for better days to come!
Let Obama do his job and then judge him in 8 years time!
I wish all countries had leaders like him and the Spanish Prime Minister, Mr. Zapatero - both intelligent, inspiring, leaders and great human beings!
dmigtysolomon,
Why do you even bother to ask such question!
We all know that, no democracy is a one-man show!
I was referring to leadership not dictatorship!
Leaders guide and inspire, dictators impose and threaten!
As Obama said, the change is himself - his own leadership!
UkEng,
I think nobody is naive to believe that things will change radically overnight!
At least we can hope for better days, as this time they have an intelligent educated human being sitting at the white house!
Obama will not be alone. There will be people behind the curtain. Since the necons, who are having huge benefits from war, are there we shall not expect so much from US Government.
As we look to some resources:
Following the end of the Gulf War, the Pentagon, led by then Defense Secretary Dick Cheney, paid Halliburton subsidiary Brown & Root Services over $8.5 million to study the use of private military forces with American soldiers in combat zones.
Yeoman, Barry (2003-06-01). "Soldiers of Good Fortune", Mother Jones. Retrieved on 8 May 2007.
Rumsfeld defended the Bush administration's decision to detain enemy combatants without protection under the Third Geneva Convention. There was therefore a large amount of pressure from many American organizations and international bodies to enforce the Geneva Conventions. Because of this, critics would hold Rumsfeld personally responsible for the Abu Ghraib torture and prisoner abuse scandal. Rumsfeld himself said, "These events occurred on my watch as secretary of defense. I am accountable for them."[http://edition.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/meast/05/09/iraq.abuse.main.int/] US military investigations into the matters did not find him responsible for any wrongdoing.
"What doesn't kill me; makes me stronger..."
Bush is not telling the truth..ofcourse he will give a diplomatic answer...
He is a hungry thug...He harmed other nations..and even his own people...how many Americans died?? wonder why was he not sued for tapping wires on American people..was this not against the constitution of USA?
I hope that Obama will apply the change we all need...Time will tell..
do you honestly believe that America is a one-man show?
"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"
Same old world polices with a little bit of new spin. America will never change its foreign aggressive policies not matter who comes into the whitehouse. The Jewish Lobby is too strong in US and in Europe. So all you Arbs hoping for a change might be disappointed. Don,t expect too much for the New President. The colour of the President might have changed but the policies will have to wait and see..
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HE WHO DARES WINS
I won't defend him because I am not an American. I am an ordinary citizen of this world but one thing I am sure, for every people that goes against his view, there is someone out there who agree with his.
And how sure are you about the incoming president. Some of his choices are already criticised. He shout for changed but still "old politicians" will be running his office. The same people who could have done changes before and yet let the unpopular Bush stay for eight years in the oval office.
Have anyone of you reflect for a moment and thought of what if you are in the man's shoes, will you not do the same action as he did perceived right at that time? If you think so, then why not run for a public office and prove yourselves? I can say that you are all righteous -minded people but have no respect and courtesy even to yourselves. Justice is not a simple thing, it should be practice ......
"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"
...show 'em what american liberalism is!
I think Bush is really a stupid man. He is a war man. He just wants to destabilize Arab World peace. No one asked him for help or free Iraq. He is responsible for the death of many many thousands innocent Iraqies even Americans. Arab world has not stopped having wars and death since his presidency and finally he leaves with international financial crisis. How shame on him.
As a person can not be judged according to his/her family. A whole nation can not be judged according to their president. The most important thing is making a change in a better way.
"What doesn't kill me; makes me stronger..."
I think what RP is saying that America has the checks and balances in place to ensure that a "non performing" leader is shown the door by the electorate. This is what they have done.
Bush made mistakes, I don't like him, but as President of a democratic nation, he was tasked with leading that nation.
His tenure is now over and history will judge him in due time..
Good riddance to Bush and Co. I never voted for him and still believe he never was elected legitimately. Please don't lump all Americans together. I agree some are not very bright, but there are many of us who are ashamed to be Americans because of people like Bush. We are aware of how the world views us (and why). Maybe things will be different now, but I'm not so sure...
I understand some of the comments are aggressive too but none of the above was including bad words like you. Anyway I am happy as rest of the world, that last election showed American people start to open their eyes too. With your own words "we are tired of the current international and local crisis affecting us and everyone else's BULLS*8T." do you think you are getting involved in those BULLS*8T because your government was helpful and you went to Vietnam, Afghanistan, Somalia, Iraq and other countries with humanistic feelings only? It is funny if you believe so. ;) As Moore is mentioning in his documentaries American society is used to be governed with fear. But hopefully things are changing now.
"What doesn't kill me; makes me stronger..."
Thats not true....
The guys in his administration made a lot of money from the war.
As for the quotes I prefer Dan Quayle's gems anyday:
"I have made good judgements in the past. I have made good judgements in the future."
"I love California, I practically grew up in Phoenix."
"If you give a person a fish, they'll fish for a day. But if you train a person to fish, they'll fish for a lifetime. "
& finally
"I stand by all the misstatements that I've made."
Crazy
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
CONFUSE ............ if you cannot convince!
we just hope and pray that Obama will be wiser...
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy....Martin Luther King
This is not fair after all they did...!!!
God's justice will prosecute him at some time...then we'll see
The sad thing is that memories are very short and history wil probably remember him only as the 43rd or whatever president of the United States.
JOKE OF THE YEAR:
"I will leave the presidency with my head held high."
-Bush
nor heal the wounds of division...
Arien lets not go there with the comparason. But yes every one realises they mistake.. Better to say sorry then not to say at all.. Only if Sadam would have done that we would have not have anyone invading or liberating Iraq which ever way you see it..
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HE WHO DARES WINS
britexpat,
Too late, he will remain forever in History, as a stupid dumb massive assassin!
The most stupid President US have ever had. Electing him the people of America did a blunder to themself and to many who lost their life allover the wolrd.
He should be kept next to HItler in the pages of History
______________________________________________
Every society is judged by how
it treats it's least fortunates.
Brite...true
that's true :)
that explains his weird and unusual reflective behavior... it finally caught him!
What do you expect him to say ??
he's leaving office and wants to ensure that his legacy is not tainted,,
Dafault Nick.. The USA public are much to blame as the President himself.. He was voted the second time by a majority..
Regarding The laugh Comment lusitano, I think it is not that he makes people laugh but the whole world is laughing at him..
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HE WHO DARES WINS
Default Nick,
I think the majority of US citizens have also understood by now, why US reputation has been severely damaged!
That's why they choose the change they need for their next president!
if he is a comdian, how come he can't make his victim's families and many others in this world, laugh?!!!!
... unless you are referring to sadist humor!
US citizens are shocked when they realize the dislike of US all over the world. And they do not understand the simple reason of that. I know we can not blame all US citizens for what is happening all around world because of such regretful behaviors made by US presidents/politicians. But in the end these are happening and of course people do not want to see more and more deaths.
"What doesn't kill me; makes me stronger..."
Bush is not Stupid.. He is a comedian.. Gonna miss the Dabya jokes..I cant wait to see his first movie of even his own sitcom or show..
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HE WHO DARES WINS
wish his Sorry could make them all alive again *Sighh* :(
Bush is really stupid and slow in understanding the world he lives in. Couldn't he just listen to so many billions of people who expressed their opinions against this invasion??? Couldn't he just stop for a while and think that there was a reason why so many billions were against his position?
He, along with Blair should be taken to War Criminal Court and should be prosecuted accordingly!
Too late for regrets, to many lives wasted by his decisions!
...if other previous AMERICAN PRESIDENTS released the same presidential speech for their other infamous engagements (SOMALIA, VIETNAM, KOREA, etc...)???