It's probably time to get grounded with the dictionary, since the disagreement is starting to become about semantics."Link" and "connection" are closely-related words, but the subtle difference between them is crucial to this discussion.

link
1 : a connecting structure: as a (1) : a single ring or division of a chain (2) : one of the standardized divisions of a surveyor's chain that is 7.92 inches (20.1 centimeters) long and serves as a measure of length b : CUFF LINK c : BOND 3c d : an intermediate rod or piece for transmitting force or motion; especially : a short connecting rod with a hole or pin at each end e : the fusible member of an electrical fuse
2 : something analogous to a link of chain: as a : a segment of sausage in a chain b : a connecting element or factor [found a link between smoking and cancer] c : a unit in a communication system d : an identifier attached to an element (as an index term) in a system in order to indicate or permit connection with other similarly identified elements

con·nec·tion
1 : the act of connecting : the state of being connected : as a : causal or logical relation or sequence <the connection between two ideas> b (1) : contextual relation or association [in this connection the word has a different meaning] (2) : relationship in fact <wanted in connection with a robbery> c : a relation of personal intimacy (as of family ties) d : COHERENCE, CONTINUITY
2 a : something that connects : LINK [a loose connection in the wiring] b : a means of communication or transport
3 : a person connected with another especially by marriage, kinship, or common interest [has powerful connections]
4 : a political, social, professional, or commercial relationship: as a : POSITION, JOB b : an arrangement to execute orders or advance interests of another [a firm's foreign connections] c : a source of contraband (as illegal drugs)
5 : a set of persons associated together: as a : DENOMINATION b : CLAN
- con·nec·tion·al /-shn&l, -sh&-n&l/ adjective

"Link" is even listed as a synonym for connection, but in the form of a "loose connection". I think the differrence between the two words is the strength of the link/connection--a "connection" is stronger than a link and establishes a relationship. That's crucial.

I would say that Iraq and al Qaeda are linked through the simple fact that they had contacts: al Qaeda approached Iraq for help, but were turned down.

But they never had a connection, because they never established a relationship.

Links are tenuous things, and through the Doctrine of Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon, we're all linked to one degree or another. I have links on some Web pages to NASA Web sites, but I don't have a connection to--that is, a relationship with--NASA.

It's a bit of misdirection to focus on what Bush explicitly said. His right-hand man (or puppeteer, depending on your view) Dick Cheney said emphatically that Iraq and al Qaeda had an ongoing relationship, and that's flatout contradicted by the 9/11 commission reports. And, ahem, Bush and Cheney have a clear documented connection--when the Vice President "misspeaks", the Bush Administration "misspeaks".

I'm afraid I can't qualify what I said before: There never was any connection between Iraq and al Qaeda.