The accusation under discussion is a positive assertion that had not been confirmed by an international agency.
At the time, I had hoped that the President had proof positive from classified sources. I believed that he wouldn't have lauched a war and endangered American lives (I have never believed he cares much about non-Americans) with less than ironclad proof.
The truth as we know it now reveals two possibilities: either Bush and his friends were so eager to find a cause to go to war that they were careless with their backchecks, or they lied outright. Neither inspires confidence or pride.