Meaning: Barbara Boxer's quote highlights a significant issue that has shaped global politics and security in recent decades. The context of this quote lies in the aftermath of the Gulf War in 1990-1991, when Iraq, under the leadership of Saddam Hussein, was accused of possessing and developing weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). This accusation led to a series of international agreements and actions aimed at disarming Iraq and preventing the proliferation of WMDs in the region.

In the wake of the Gulf War, Iraq made commitments to the international community to completely dismantle all its weapons of mass destruction. These commitments were part of the agreements and resolutions imposed on Iraq by the United Nations Security Council, particularly through Resolution 687, which demanded Iraq's disarmament and imposed strict monitoring and verification mechanisms to ensure compliance.

The quote by Barbara Boxer underscores the failure of Iraq to live up to its commitment to disarm its WMDs. This failure had profound implications for regional and global security, as it led to increased tensions, suspicions, and ultimately, the 2003 invasion of Iraq by a coalition led by the United States. The invasion was justified, in part, by the belief that Iraq continued to possess and develop WMDs, despite its earlier commitments to disarm.

The issue of Iraq's alleged possession of WMDs and its failure to comply with disarmament agreements has been a subject of intense debate and scrutiny. The lack of conclusive evidence of WMDs in Iraq following the 2003 invasion raised questions about the justifications for the war and led to significant international criticism and diplomatic fallout.

Barbara Boxer's quote reflects the frustration and disappointment felt by many in the international community regarding Iraq's non-compliance with its disarmament commitments. It also points to the broader implications of such non-compliance for global security and the credibility of international agreements and institutions.

The quote remains relevant today as the legacy of the Iraq War and the broader issue of WMD proliferation continue to shape geopolitical dynamics and international relations. The failure to find WMDs in Iraq following the 2003 invasion has led to increased skepticism and scrutiny of intelligence claims regarding WMD threats in other regions, highlighting the enduring impact of the events that unfolded in the aftermath of the Gulf War.

In conclusion, Barbara Boxer's quote encapsulates the frustration and consequences of Iraq's failure to fulfill its commitments to disarm its weapons of mass destruction. It serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges in addressing WMD proliferation and the profound impact of such issues on global security and international relations.