"The case for disarming Saddam Hussein is strong and well known, and Secretary Powell reiterated that case today. We all share the goal of eliminating weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and in other countries around the world.
"The question is whether war now is the only way to rid Iraq of these deadly weapons. I do not believe it is. Before going to war, we must exhaust all alternatives, such as the continuation of inspections, diplomacy and the leverage provided by the threat of military action.
"Any decision about going to war against Iraq must reflect the fact that
the clear and present danger to our national security is terrorism. The presence
of al Qaeda operatives in Iraq and in so many countries in the Middle East and
the rest of the world is troubling. It is a reminder of the danger of losing
the focus of the war on terrorism and the support of the international coalition
with which it has been conducted. Any action taken against Iraq must not jeopardize
that coalition."
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