Friday, June 08, 2007

Monday afternoon quarterbacking

Analysis of Mitt Romney's response to the question of whether, knowing then what we know now, was it right to have invaded Iraq.

a reasonable person could obviously interpret Romney's statement to mean if Hussein had allowed inspectors in prior to 2002, but since Begala is insisting on absolute clarity, let's fact-check Begala's dates...

Sept. 17th is actually the date that inspectors were authorized to return to Iraq by Iraq. Inspectors, however, did not start inspections until November 27th. And why was there a delay? Because, yes, Iraq agreed to allow inspectors in, but under conditions not acceptable to the United Nations. Oh, and not acceptable to Hans Blix either:

The chief United Nations weapons inspector, Hans Blix, endorsed the key American demand that Iraq make a full declaration of its weapons programs before any inspections resume. Dr. Blix also said there was ''very broad support'' in the Security Council for a new resolution setting tough terms for inspections. In addition, he endorsed the threat of consequences if Iraq fails to disarm. Iraq had hoped for inspections under less stringent conditions.

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