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Gore Denounces Bush's Iraq Efforts
Tuesday, September 24, 2002
By Ian Stewart
Associated Press Writer

Gore accused the current president of abandoning the goal of a world where nations follow laws. "That concept would be displaced by the notion that there is no law but the discretion of the president of the United States," he said. "If other nations assert the same right, then the rule of law will quickly be replaced by the reign of fear," and any nation that perceives itself threatened would feel justified in starting wars, he said.

SAN FRANCISCO -- AP
In his first major speech about Iraq, former Vice President Al Gore issued a harsh criticism of President Bush for wanting to go to war with Saddam Hussein, warning of ominous and untold consequences.

Like other leading Democrats, Gore has expressed reservations in recent months about military action against Iraq, suggesting the diplomatic costs would be extremely high.

But his speech Monday at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco was much more critical.

The former presidential candidate said Bush's concentration on Iraq has eroded world confidence in the United States and diminished the war on terrorism.

"After Sept. 11, we had enormous sympathy, goodwill and support around the world," Gore said. "We've squandered that, and in one year we've replaced that with fear, anxiety and uncertainty, not at what the terrorists are going to do but at what we are going to do."

Gore said war with Iraq could lead to the creation of legions of enemies angry and fearful about U.S. domination and also prompt a short-term power vacuum that could increase the danger of chemical and biological attacks.
(More: The Miami Herald News Source)
2002 © The Associated Press.

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