Meaning: This quote by former President George W. Bush reflects a moment of deep disappointment and frustration during his presidency. In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, the United States, under Bush's leadership, launched a military intervention in Iraq in 2003 with the primary justification being the belief that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). However, as the quote suggests, no such weapons were found, leading to a sense of shock and anger.

The context of this quote is crucial to understanding its significance. In the lead-up to the Iraq War, the Bush administration, along with its allies, made the case to the international community and the American public that Iraq posed a significant threat due to its alleged possession of WMDs. This assertion was a key factor in justifying the invasion of Iraq, as it was believed that the removal of these weapons was necessary to protect global security.

However, after the invasion and the subsequent extensive search for WMDs, none were found. This revelation was highly consequential, as it called into question the legitimacy of the invasion and raised concerns about the veracity of the intelligence that had been used to justify the war. The lack of WMDs undermined the credibility of the Bush administration and fueled criticism both domestically and internationally.

The quote conveys the personal impact of this failure to find WMDs on President Bush. The "sickening feeling" he describes reflects the weight of responsibility he felt as the leader who had made the decision to go to war based, at least in part, on the belief in the existence of these weapons. The admission of shock and anger also reveals the emotional toll of this significant discrepancy between the intelligence assessments and the reality on the ground.

This quote also serves as a reminder of the broader consequences of the Iraq War. The conflict resulted in significant loss of life, both among coalition forces and Iraqi civilians, as well as the destabilization of the region. The failure to find WMDs further eroded public trust in the government and fueled skepticism about the motivations behind the invasion.

In the years following the Iraq War, the absence of WMDs became a focal point of scrutiny and criticism of the Bush administration's foreign policy decisions. It also sparked debates about the use of intelligence to justify military interventions and the accountability of political leaders for their decisions.

Ultimately, the quote by President Bush captures a moment of profound disillusionment and introspection in the aftermath of a pivotal event in modern history. It serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and consequences of military intervention and the importance of transparency and accountability in decision-making by world leaders.

In conclusion, the quote reflects the personal impact of the failure to find WMDs in Iraq on President George W. Bush and the broader implications of this pivotal moment in history. It stands as a reminder of the challenges and responsibilities of leadership, as well as the need for critical reflection on the decisions that shape the course of global events.