From 8/21 Press COnference
THE PRESIDENT: What did Iraq have to do with what?
Q The attack on the World Trade Center?
THE PRESIDENT:
Nothing, except for it's part of -- and nobody has ever suggested in this administration that Saddam Hussein ordered the attack. Iraq was a -- the lesson of September the 11th is, take threats before they fully materialize, Ken.
Nobody has ever suggested that the attacks of September the 11th were ordered by Iraq. I have suggested, however, that resentment and the lack of hope create the breeding grounds for terrorists who are willing to use suiciders to kill to achieve an objective. I have made that case.
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meanwhile... retrieved from the memory hole
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/08/20060821.htmlPresidential Letter
Text of a Letter from the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate
March 18, 2003
Dear Mr. Speaker:
Consistent with section 3(b) of the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (Public Law 107-243), and based on information available to me, including that in the enclosed document, I determine that:
(1) reliance by the United States on further diplomatic and other peaceful means alone will neither (A) adequately protect the national security of the United States against the continuing threat posed by Iraq nor (B) likely lead to enforcement of all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq; and
(2) acting pursuant to the Constitution and Public Law 107-243 is consistent with the United States and other countries continuing to take the necessary actions against international terrorists and terrorist organizations, including those nations, organizations, or persons who planned, authorized, committed,
or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001. Sincerely,
GEORGE W. BUSH
and these snippets:
http://www.c-span.org/resources/pdf/Report107_243.pdf Report In Connection With Presidential Determination Under Public Law 107-243
--snip--
This report also explains that a determination to use force against Iraq is fully consistent with the United States andother countries continuing to take the necessary actions against international terrorists and terrorist organizations,
including those nations, organizations, or persons who planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001. --snip--
4. Use of Force Against Iraq is Consistent with the War on Terror In Public Law 107-243,
Congress made a number of findings concerning Iraq’s support for international terrorism. Among other things, Congress determined that:
• Members of al Qaida, an organization bearing responsibility for attacks on the United States, its citizens, and interests, including the attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, are known to be in Iraq. • Iraq continues to aid and harbor other international terrorist organizations, including organizations that threaten the lives and safety of United States citizens.
• It is in the national security interests of the United States and in furtherance of the war on terrorism that all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions been forced, including through the use of force if necessary.