IRAQ WAR

Throughout the 1980's one particular administration envoy helped Saddam acquire the chemical weapons he later used on his own people. Some analysts at the time advised against arming Saddam because he was unstable and would, without hesitation, use these weapons on his own people to quell any challenge to his regime. The administration ruled that that was not of concern because Saddam was “our boy,” we could control him, and Iran was our number one enemy. This same envoy, two decades later, became a high-ranking administration official who cried "monster" as he made the case for invasion. As soon as Saddam refused to “play ball” with us, he had to go. LESSON: bitten was that hand that fed.