Meaning: The quote by Condoleezza Rice, a prominent American diplomat and political scientist, reflects the frustration and concern over Saddam Hussein's repeated defiance of United Nations (U.N.) resolutions in the years following the Gulf War. Rice highlights the fact that Saddam Hussein had continuously ignored and flaunted the obligations he had agreed to in order to prevent himself from being a threat to peace and security in the region. This quote encapsulates the international community's exasperation with Saddam Hussein's actions and their attempts to address the ongoing challenges posed by his regime.

The context of this quote lies in the aftermath of the Gulf War, which took place from August 1990 to February 1991. The war was a result of Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, prompting a military coalition led by the United States to intervene and expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait. Following the war, a series of U.N. resolutions were passed to establish ceasefire terms, ensure disarmament of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, and monitor the country's compliance with international obligations. These resolutions aimed to prevent Saddam Hussein from posing a threat to regional stability and global security.

However, despite agreeing to these obligations, Saddam Hussein's regime consistently obstructed and violated the U.N. resolutions. This defiance led to increasing tensions between Iraq and the international community, particularly the United States and its allies. The failure of Saddam Hussein to adhere to the terms set by the U.N. not only raised concerns about Iraq's intentions and capabilities but also strained diplomatic efforts to address the situation peacefully.

Condoleezza Rice's quote emphasizes the prolonged nature of Saddam Hussein's non-compliance, with more than a decade passing since the end of the Gulf War. The use of the term "defiance" underscores the deliberate and persistent nature of Iraq's actions in disregarding the international community's demands. By pointing out the specific timeframe of 11 years, Rice highlights the prolonged and entrenched nature of the challenge posed by Saddam Hussein's regime, underscoring the need for a sustained and effective response.

The quote also draws attention to the broader implications of Saddam Hussein's actions on peace and security. By flouting the U.N. resolutions, Iraq's behavior raised concerns about the stability of the region and the potential for further conflict. The international community's frustration with Iraq's non-compliance stemmed from the understanding that the disregard for U.N. obligations could have far-reaching consequences for regional and global stability.

In response to Iraq's continued defiance, the United States, along with other countries, pursued various diplomatic, economic, and military measures to compel Iraq to comply with the U.N. resolutions. These efforts included economic sanctions, weapons inspections, and diplomatic negotiations aimed at resolving the standoff and preventing the reemergence of a threat from Iraq.

Ultimately, the quote by Condoleezza Rice encapsulates the challenges and frustrations faced by the international community in dealing with Saddam Hussein's regime following the Gulf War. It serves as a reminder of the complex and protracted nature of international conflicts and the efforts required to address persistent threats to peace and security.