Meaning: The quote you provided is attributed to Douglas Feith, a former U.S. government official who served as the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy from July 2001 until August 2005. The quote seems to convey the sentiment that by the mid-1990s, Saddam Hussein was already recognized as a dangerous tyrant due to his aggressive actions, such as launching aggressions against Iran and invading Kuwait.

During the 1980s, Saddam Hussein's Iraq was engaged in a long and devastating war with Iran. The conflict, known as the Iran-Iraq War, lasted from 1980 to 1988 and resulted in significant loss of life and economic devastation for both countries. Saddam Hussein's decision to invade Iran was driven by a combination of territorial disputes, ideological differences, and a desire to gain regional influence.

Following the end of the Iran-Iraq War, tensions continued to simmer in the region. In 1990, Saddam Hussein made the fateful decision to invade neighboring Kuwait. This move was met with swift condemnation from the international community, leading to a military intervention led by a coalition of countries, including the United States. The Gulf War, also known as Operation Desert Storm, resulted in the liberation of Kuwait and a significant blow to Saddam Hussein's regime.

In the aftermath of these events, Saddam Hussein's actions were widely condemned, and his regime was subjected to international sanctions and scrutiny. The quote by Douglas Feith reflects the prevailing view at the time that Saddam Hussein posed a significant threat to regional stability and security.

It is important to note that the quote comes from a specific perspective, that of a U.S. government official who was involved in shaping U.S. policy during a tumultuous period in the Middle East. The United States, along with other countries, played a prominent role in addressing the challenges posed by Saddam Hussein's regime, and the quote reflects a view that was influential in shaping international policy towards Iraq during that time.

The recognition of Saddam Hussein as a dangerous tyrant in the mid-1990s laid the groundwork for subsequent developments, including the eventual U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. The decision to intervene militarily in Iraq was driven by a complex set of factors, including concerns about weapons of mass destruction, the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and the broader geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.

In hindsight, the quote by Douglas Feith captures a pivotal moment in the history of U.S. involvement in the Middle East and reflects the prevailing attitudes towards Saddam Hussein during a period of significant geopolitical upheaval. It serves as a reminder of the complex and consequential decisions that shaped the course of events in the region during that era.

Overall, the quote underscores the perception of Saddam Hussein as a destabilizing force in the Middle East and highlights the challenges faced by policymakers in addressing the threats posed by his regime. It also provides insight into the mindset of U.S. officials as they grappled with the complexities of regional politics and security in the aftermath of the Iran-Iraq War and the Gulf War.