Meaning: The quote is from Madeleine Albright, who served as the United States Secretary of State from 1997 to 2001. This statement was made in the context of the United Nations sanctions imposed on Iraq following the Gulf War in 1990-1991. The Gulf War, also known as the First Gulf War, was a conflict between Iraq and a coalition of countries led by the United States, following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. The war resulted in a decisive victory for the coalition forces and led to the imposition of comprehensive sanctions on Iraq by the United Nations Security Council.

In her statement, Albright highlights Saddam Hussein's goal of achieving the lifting of U.N. sanctions while retaining and enhancing Iraq's weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs. This refers to Iraq's efforts to develop and stockpile chemical, biological, and potentially nuclear weapons, which had been a source of concern for the international community. Albright emphasizes the need to prevent Saddam from succeeding in this goal, asserting that the United States and its allies are committed to ensuring that he does not achieve his objectives.

The context of Albright's statement is crucial to understanding its significance. During the 1990s, Iraq was subjected to stringent economic sanctions imposed by the United Nations in response to its aggression against Kuwait and its WMD programs. The sanctions had a profound impact on the Iraqi population, leading to widespread humanitarian suffering and economic hardship. At the same time, there were ongoing concerns about Iraq's WMD capabilities and the potential threat they posed to regional and global security.

Albright's statement reflects the U.S. government's position on Iraq during this period, which was characterized by a dual approach of containment and pressure on Saddam's regime. The United States, along with its allies, sought to prevent Iraq from acquiring or developing WMD while also working to undermine Saddam's grip on power through diplomatic, economic, and military means.

The quote also underscores the broader geopolitical dynamics at play in the aftermath of the Gulf War. It reflects the deep-seated distrust and animosity between the United States and Iraq, as well as the broader international efforts to address proliferation of WMD. The issue of Iraq's WMD capabilities would later become a central point of contention leading up to the 2003 invasion of Iraq by a U.S.-led coalition, which was justified in part by the belief that Iraq possessed WMD and posed a threat to international security.

Albright's statement also reflects the complex and multifaceted nature of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East during the 1990s. The region was marked by a range of challenges, including the Arab-Israeli conflict, the rise of non-state actors such as Hezbollah and Hamas, and the broader dynamics of the Arab world. In this context, Iraq's behavior and its pursuit of WMD were seen as a significant factor contributing to instability and insecurity in the region.

In conclusion, Madeleine Albright's quote encapsulates the United States' determination to prevent Saddam Hussein from achieving his goals of lifting U.N. sanctions while retaining and enhancing Iraq's WMD programs. It reflects the broader geopolitical dynamics and security concerns of the post-Gulf War era and provides insight into the U.S. government's approach to Iraq during a pivotal period in the Middle East.