Meaning: This quote by Douglas Feith, a former public servant, reflects the international political climate leading up to the Iraq War in 2003. At that time, the United States was seeking support from other countries for military action against Iraq, particularly in response to Iraq's alleged possession of weapons of mass destruction. The quote suggests that the U.S. had received commitments of support from a significant number of countries, indicating a broad coalition in favor of potential military intervention in Iraq.

In the context of the Iraq War, the quote underscores the diplomatic efforts made by the U.S. to garner international backing for its stance on Iraq. The Bush administration, under which Feith served, sought to build a coalition of countries willing to support and, if necessary, participate in military action against Iraq. This coalition-building was a crucial aspect of the political and diplomatic maneuvering that preceded the actual military campaign.

The quote also highlights the significance of international cooperation and alliances in the context of global security and military interventions. It reflects the belief that the United States should not act alone in matters of international security and that the support and participation of other countries are valuable and desirable. The notion of a "substantial number of countries" pledging support underscores the idea that the U.S. was not isolated in its approach to Iraq but had garnered significant backing from a diverse array of nations.

Furthermore, the quote serves as a reminder of the complexities and controversies surrounding the decision to go to war in Iraq. The assertions about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, which later turned out to be unsubstantiated, were a major point of contention and debate both domestically and internationally. The efforts to secure support from other countries were part of the broader political and diplomatic efforts to legitimize and justify the impending military action.

It is worth noting that the quote also raises questions about the nature of the support pledged by these countries. What form did this support take? Was it purely political and diplomatic, or did it also include tangible military assistance? These questions are important in understanding the dynamics of international relations and the complexities of forming and maintaining international coalitions.

In the aftermath of the Iraq War, the assertions about international support for the U.S. military action came under scrutiny, particularly as the war's legitimacy and justification were called into question. The actual level of support and the extent to which it translated into meaningful contributions to the war effort became subjects of analysis and debate.

Overall, Douglas Feith's quote encapsulates a pivotal moment in international relations and U.S. foreign policy, with significant implications for global security, diplomacy, and the conduct of military interventions. It reflects the complexities and controversies surrounding the Iraq War and the efforts to build a coalition of support for U.S. actions in the region.