Rumsfeld, DeLay Defend Regime Change in Iraq

Answering critics of the Presidents call for regime change in Iraq who argue that no ties exist between Saddam Hussein and bin Ladens al-Qaeda, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld argued forcefully during a press briefing yesterday that Iraq continues to harbor al-Qaeda terrorists.

When asked about evidence that Iraq hosted or supported al-Qaeda, Rusmfeld fired back that there are al Qaeda in a number of locations in Iraq. And the suggestion that those people who are so attentive in denying human rights to their population aren’t aware of where these folks are or what they’re doing is ludicrous.

House Majority Whip Tom DeLay followed up Secretary Rumsfelds remarks with an address today on The Imperative of Action. In it DeLay took aim at the Presidents opponents and argued that The costs of inaction [against Iraq] are unacceptable.

DeLay makes clear the stakes in this war when he counters critics’ claim that war with Iraq is a diversion from war on terror. According to DeLay, Defeating Saddam Hussein is a defining measure of whether we will wage the war on terrorism fully and effectively.