Meaning: Condoleezza Rice, a prominent American diplomat and political scientist, made this statement in the context of the United Nations Security Council's deliberations on Iraq in the early 2000s. The quote reflects the perspective of the United States government at that time, which was led by President George W. Bush, and its stance on the issue of Iraq's compliance with international demands regarding its weapons programs.

At the heart of this quote is the notion that prolonging the process of demanding Iraq's compliance with international mandates would benefit Saddam Hussein, the then-leader of Iraq. The context in which this statement was made is crucial to understanding its significance. In the years leading up to the United States' invasion of Iraq in 2003, there was intense international debate and scrutiny over Iraq's alleged possession of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The U.S. government, along with some of its allies, asserted that Iraq was in violation of United Nations resolutions and posed a threat to global security due to its purported WMD programs.

The "calling for more time" referred to in the quote pertains to the diplomatic negotiations and inspections processes that were unfolding at the time. The United States, along with other nations, was pressuring Iraq to fully disclose and dismantle any WMD-related capabilities it possessed. This quote reflects the frustration and impatience of the U.S. government with the diplomatic efforts and the perceived stalling tactics of the Iraqi regime.

From Condoleezza Rice's perspective, emphasizing the need for more time and continued diplomacy was seen as playing into the hands of Saddam Hussein. The underlying concern was that by allowing more time for negotiations and inspections, Hussein's regime could exploit the situation to further conceal or reconstitute its weapons programs. This stance aligns with the broader U.S. policy at the time, which emphasized a more assertive and proactive approach to dealing with perceived threats to international security.

Rice's statement encapsulates the urgency and determination of the U.S. government to address the Iraq situation decisively and swiftly. It reflects the mindset of policymakers who were convinced of the necessity of taking strong, coercive action to compel Iraq's compliance, rather than allowing the diplomatic process to drag on indefinitely.

In the larger context of international relations and diplomacy, this quote highlights the tensions and complexities inherent in addressing security challenges through multilateral institutions such as the United Nations. It underscores the divergent perspectives and priorities of different nations when it comes to dealing with perceived threats to global stability.

Furthermore, the quote also sheds light on the dynamics of power and influence within the international arena. It reflects the U.S. government's determination to assert its leadership and influence in shaping the course of international action, especially in matters related to security and proliferation of WMD.

Overall, Condoleezza Rice's statement encapsulates a pivotal moment in global politics, reflecting the intense debates and actions that ultimately led to the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. It serves as a reminder of the complexities and consequences of international diplomacy and the far-reaching impact of decisions made in the pursuit of global security and stability.