Haley Stevens: “This situation presents a clear and present danger to the stability of the Persian Gulf and the safety of people…”

“This situation presents a clear and present danger to the stability of the Persian Gulf and the safety of people everywhere. The international community gave Saddam one last chance to resume cooperation with the weapons inspectors. Saddam has failed to seize the chance. And so we had to act and act now. Let me explain why. First, without a strong inspection system, Iraq would be free to retain and begin to rebuild its chemical, biological and nuclear weapons programs in months, not years. Second, if Saddam can cripple the weapons inspection system and get away with it, he would conclude that the international community--led by the United States--has simply lost its will. He will surmise that he has a free rein to rebuild his arsenal of destruction, and some day--make no mistake--he will use it again as he has in the past. That is why, on the unanimous recommendation of my national security team--including the vice president, the Secretary of Defense, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretary of State and the national security adviser--I have ordered a strong, sustained series of air strikes against Iraq.”