Meaning: The quote by Condoleezza Rice, a prominent American diplomat and political scientist, reflects her stance on the international community's response to Saddam Hussein and his regime in Iraq. In this quote, Rice emphasizes the urgency and necessity for the international community to convey a clear message to Saddam Hussein that there is no room for negotiation regarding the obligations that Iraq undertook in 1991.

At the time of the quote, Saddam Hussein's regime was a source of significant international concern due to its non-compliance with United Nations (U.N.) resolutions, particularly those related to disarmament and inspections following the Gulf War in 1991. The United States, under the leadership of President George W. Bush, was actively advocating for a strong stance against Hussein's regime, asserting that it posed a threat to regional and global security.

Rice's statement underscores the view that Saddam Hussein's regime had repeatedly failed to fulfill its obligations, and thus, the international community needed to communicate unequivocally that negotiation with the U.N. on these matters was not an option. This reflects the belief that Iraq's compliance with U.N. resolutions was non-negotiable and that the regime needed to be held accountable for its actions.

The quote also reflects the broader geopolitical context of the time, characterized by heightened tensions and debates over the appropriate response to Iraq's actions. The U.S. government, along with some of its allies, was advocating for a more assertive approach, including the possibility of military intervention, to address the perceived threat posed by Iraq's non-compliance with U.N. resolutions.

Rice's words capture the sense of urgency and determination that characterized the U.S. position on Iraq during this period. The language used in the quote conveys a resolute and uncompromising tone, signaling a firm stance on the need for decisive action regarding Iraq's obligations to the international community. The emphasis on "high time" and the rejection of negotiation underscores the urgency and seriousness with which the U.S. viewed the situation.

Furthermore, the quote highlights the role of the international community in addressing global security challenges. Rice's statement suggests that the responsibility for dealing with non-compliance with international obligations rested not only with individual countries, but with the broader international community as represented by the U.N. This reflects a belief in the importance of collective action and multilateral diplomacy in addressing threats to international peace and security.

In conclusion, Condoleezza Rice's quote encapsulates the assertive stance taken by the United States in response to Iraq's non-compliance with U.N. resolutions in the early 2000s. It reflects the urgency and determination with which the U.S. sought to address the perceived threat posed by Saddam Hussein's regime and underscores the view that negotiation was not an option when it came to Iraq's obligations to the international community. This quote provides insight into the geopolitical dynamics of the time and the U.S. government's approach to addressing security challenges in the Middle East.