Where our problems started.

http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB82/shakinghands_high.wmv

Saturday, Dec. 20, will mark a week in custody for Saddam Hussein at the hands of our military and its boss, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. Though that in itself is not significant, the date Dec. 20 is. Exactly 20 years ago this Saturday, Rumsfeld was a guest in Baghdad, his host none other than Hussein.

As special envoy for President Reagan, Rumsfeld went to assure his host that he could count on America to be in his corner. This was done in spite of our knowledge of Hussein's use of chemical weapons against the Iranian military as well as civilians in both Iran and Iraq. With Rummy's help, Hussein received all the military equipment he needed, including chemicals that could be used in weapons. The Reagan administration removed Iraq from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, thus opening the doors to U.S. aid, as well as the ability to acquire sophisticated technology and equipment from us. In addition to this, we provided Hussein's government with lists that contained names of suspected communists. Many on these lists were hunted down and killed, jailed or tortured.

I hope President Bush, Rumsfeld and the rest of you guys will take time away from your gloating and reflect upon this special anniversary.