Bush report defends Iraq actions 7

WASHINGTON — The White House said in a year-end report released Saturday that the invasion of Iraq had produced "clear evidence of Saddam’s illegal weapons program" and new intelligence about his ties to terrorist organizations.

Those statements and other assertions in the eight-page report offer a preview of President Bush’s plan for framing his record as he begins the final year of his term and plunges into his re-election campaign. The document also could provide fodder for Democratic presidential candidates, who contend that crucial elements of Bush’s prewar case have been discredited.

"Working with the Iraqi people," the report says, "we are now learning the full truth about Saddam Hussein’s regime, including: the mass graves of more than 300,000 victims of Saddam’s brutality; clear evidence of Saddam’s illegal weapons program; and previously undocumented ties to terror organizations."

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

The reference to an "illegal weapons program" includes a tacit acknowledgment that no actual weapons of mass destruction have been found, eight months after President Saddam Hussein’s government collapsed. Former U.N. weapons inspector David Kay, who is heading the CIA-led search, told Congress in an interim report in October that he had found no evidence that Hussein took steps to produce a nuclear weapon after the U.N. withdrew inspectors in 1998.

Bush said at the time that he viewed the report as vindicating the invasion, because it included evidence that Saddam spent billions of dollars and more than 20 years trying to acquire unconventional weapons.

A senior administration official said the statement about new evidence tying Hussein to terrorism refers in part to files of the former Iraqi Intelligence Service that were seized by the CIA. The Washington Post reported last month that the records would stretch 9 1/2 miles if laid end to end.

The administration had been vague on whether Hussein was behind the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and the new report does not make that claim. Bush said in September he had no evidence of that.

The report, "2003: A Year of Accomplishment for the American People," begins by saying that since Bush took office, "109 million taxpayers have received, on average, a tax cut of $1,544."

The sections are titled: "Building a More Prosperous and Healthier Nation," including the new drug benefit for Medicare; "Leading the Way Toward a Better and More Compassionate Future," including the "do not call" registry to restrain telemarketers; and "Winning the War on Terror and Addressing Global Challenges."

The report’s themes echo those on Bush’s campaign Web site, which outlines "Bush’s Agenda for Building a Safer, Stronger and Better America."

The president devoted his weekly radio address Saturday to a similar review of the year, saying administration initiatives "have made us safer, more prosperous and a better country."

With critics saying the Medicare law will enrich drug, medical and insurance companies, Bush began by saying it will save seniors money and give them peace of mind. "We confronted problems with determination and bipartisan spirit," he said. "Yet our work is not done."

Among the assertions in Bush’s report that drew the most attention of his critics were that the administration had practiced "fiscal restraint" and had "proposed stringent new rules on diesel fuel and power plant emissions, which will result in dramatic reductions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and mercury."

The Center for American Progress, a 3-month-old think tank, issued an eight-page rebuttal, "2003: A Year of Distortion." David Sirota, the center’s director of strategic communications, called Bush’s report "a manifesto of factual distortions and historical revision."

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Jennifer Humelo, right, hugs Art Cass outside of Full Life Care Snohomish County on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘I’ll lose everything’: Snohomish County’s only adult day health center to close

Full Life Care in Everett, which supports adults with disabilities, will shut its doors July 19 due to state funding challenges.

(City of Everett)
Everett’s possible new stadium has a possible price tag

City staff said a stadium could be built for $82 million, lower than previous estimates. Bonds and private investment would pay for most of it.

The Edmonds City Council gathers to discuss annexing into South County Fire on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Community group presents vision for Edmonds’ fiscal future

Members from Keep Edmonds Vibrant suggested the council focus on revenue generation and a levy lid lift to address its budget crisis.

The age of bridge 503 that spans Swamp Creek can be seen in its timber supports and metal pipes on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, in Lynnwood, Washington. The bridge is set to be replaced by the county in 2025. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Snohomish County report: 10 bridges set for repairs, replacement

An annual report the county released May 22 details the condition of local bridges and future maintenance they may require.

People listen as the Marysville School Board votes to close an elementary and a middle school in the 2025-26 school year while reconfiguring the district’s elementary schools to a K-6 model on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 in Marysville, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Marysville schools audit shows some improvement

Even though the district still faces serious financial problems, the findings are a positive change over last year, auditors said.

Outside of the Madrona School on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Sewer district notifies Edmonds schools of intent to sue

The letter of intent alleges the school district has failed to address long-standing “water pollution issues” at Madrona K-8 School.

Cars drive along Cathcart Way next to the site of the proposed Eastview Village development that borders Little Cedars Elementary on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 in unincorporated Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Former engineer: Snohomish County rushed plans for Eastview development

David Irwin cited red flags from the developers. After he resigned, the county approved the development that’s now stalled with an appeal

Edie Carroll trims plants at Baker's Acres Nursery during Sorticulture on Friday, June 6, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Sorticulture, Everett’s garden festival, is in full swing

The festival will go through Sunday evening and has over 120 local and regional vendors.

Students attending Camp Killoqua next week pose with Olivia Park Elementary staff on Friday, June 6 near Everett. Top, from left: Stacy Goody, Cecilia Stewart and Lynne Peters. Bottom, from left: Shaker Alfaly, Jenna Alfaly and Diana Peralta. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
A school needed chaperones for summer camp. Everett cops stepped up.

An Olivia Park Elementary trip to Camp Killoqua would have been canceled if not for four police officers who will help chaperone.

Everett’s minimum wage goes up on July 1. Here’s what to know.

Voters approved the increase as part of a ballot measure in the November election.

Logo for news use featuring Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
State declares drought emergency for parts of Snohomish County

Everett and the southwest part of the county are still under a drought advisory, but city Public Works say water outlooks are good.

Madison Family Shelter Family Support Specialist Dan Blizard talks about one of the pallet homes on Monday, May 19, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Madison Family Shelter reopens after hiatus

The Pallet shelter village, formerly Faith Family Village, provides housing for up to eight families for 90 days.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.