Meaning: Lawrence Eagleburger, an American diplomat who served as the Secretary of State under President George H.W. Bush, made this statement in the context of the United States' war on terrorism and its implications for Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq. The quote reflects Eagleburger's belief that the success of the war on terrorism would contribute to isolating and weakening Saddam Hussein, thereby making it more difficult for him to maintain power.

Eagleburger's perspective is rooted in the geopolitical dynamics of the early 2000s, particularly in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent U.S.-led efforts to combat terrorism globally. At the time, there was significant international focus on the connections between state-sponsored terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, with Iraq under Saddam Hussein being a prominent concern for the United States and its allies.

In analyzing Eagleburger's statement, it is important to consider the broader context of U.S. foreign policy in the early 2000s. The Bush administration's approach to addressing the perceived threats posed by regimes such as Saddam Hussein's Iraq was characterized by a combination of military intervention, diplomatic pressure, and efforts to build international consensus for action.

Eagleburger's assertion that the war on terrorism would "box Saddam in" suggests that he viewed the broader campaign against terrorism as exerting pressure on regimes that supported or engaged in activities deemed hostile to U.S. interests. By disrupting networks of support for terrorist organizations and targeting state sponsors of terrorism, the U.S. sought to limit the ability of hostile regimes to operate with impunity.

The notion of isolating Saddam Hussein and making it more difficult for him to maintain power aligns with the broader strategy of coercive diplomacy employed by the U.S. and its allies. This approach aimed to compel the Iraqi regime to comply with international demands, including disarmament and adherence to United Nations resolutions, through a combination of military threats, economic sanctions, and diplomatic isolation.

Eagleburger's emphasis on the idea that this process would "take time" reflects an understanding of the complexities involved in bringing about significant geopolitical change. The diplomatic and strategic efforts to confront Saddam Hussein's regime and its alleged support for terrorism and pursuit of weapons of mass destruction were part of a long-term endeavor that required sustained international engagement and coordination.

Moreover, Eagleburger's statement underscores the interconnectedness of the war on terrorism and broader regional security dynamics, particularly in the Middle East. The U.S. and its allies sought to address not only the immediate threat of terrorism but also the underlying factors contributing to instability and conflict in the region, including the behavior of authoritarian regimes such as Saddam Hussein's Iraq.

Eagleburger's perspective, while expressing confidence in the potential impact of the war on terrorism on Saddam Hussein's regime, also reflects a recognition of the complexities and uncertainties inherent in international affairs. The dynamics of power, influence, and resistance in the international system are multifaceted and subject to a range of factors that can shape outcomes in unpredictable ways.

In conclusion, Lawrence Eagleburger's quote encapsulates a particular viewpoint on the interplay between the war on terrorism and the geopolitical dynamics of the early 2000s, particularly in relation to the perceived threat posed by Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq. His assessment reflects the broader U.S. strategy of coercive diplomacy and international pressure aimed at isolating and weakening hostile regimes, while also acknowledging the complexities and challenges inherent in pursuing such objectives.