Meaning: The quote you provided reflects a significant and controversial aspect of recent American history – the claim that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) before the United States invaded the country in 2003. The assertion that Iraq had WMDs was a key justification used by the Bush administration to garner public and international support for the invasion. However, as the quote points out, no such weapons were ever found, leading to widespread criticism and scrutiny of the administration's decision-making and the veracity of the intelligence that was used to support the claims.

In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the Bush administration, led by President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney, sought to confront perceived threats to national security. Iraq, under the leadership of Saddam Hussein, was portrayed as a regime that posed a significant danger due to its alleged possession of WMDs and its potential willingness to provide support to terrorist groups. This narrative was central to the push for military action in Iraq.

The failure to find WMDs in Iraq following the invasion prompted intense debate and scrutiny. Critics argued that the administration had manipulated or misinterpreted intelligence to justify the invasion, while proponents of the war contended that the absence of WMDs did not negate the broader rationale for removing Saddam Hussein from power.

John Olver, the politician who made the statement in the quote, was expressing a view held by many who opposed the Iraq War and questioned the credibility of the Bush administration's claims. The absence of WMDs became a focal point for those who believed that the decision to go to war was based on flawed or misleading information.

The Iraq War and the WMD issue have had enduring consequences, both domestically and internationally. The war's human and financial costs, as well as its impact on regional stability and global perceptions of American foreign policy, continue to be subjects of debate and analysis.

In the years following the invasion, investigations and inquiries were conducted to understand how intelligence about Iraq's WMDs was gathered and assessed. These efforts revealed shortcomings and errors in the intelligence process, raising further questions about the accuracy of the administration's claims.

The quote you provided serves as a reminder of the complexities and controversies surrounding the Iraq War and the assertions about WMDs. It reflects a broader historical narrative that encompasses issues of national security, the use of military force, the role of intelligence in policymaking, and the accountability of government leaders.

In conclusion, the claim that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, as cited in the quote, was a pivotal and contentious element of the justification for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The absence of WMDs following the invasion has been the subject of intense scrutiny and debate, shaping perceptions of the war and its underlying justifications. The quote encapsulates a viewpoint that has been central to discussions about the Iraq War and its legacy, underscoring the significance of the WMD issue within the broader context of American foreign policy and international relations.