Meaning: The quote "Further, not only the United States, but the French, British, Germans and the United Nations all thought Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction before the United States intervened." by Jim Gerlach, a politician, refers to the widespread belief among various countries and international organizations that Saddam Hussein, the former president of Iraq, had weapons of mass destruction (WMD) prior to the United States' intervention in Iraq. This quote reflects a significant aspect of the political and diplomatic landscape leading up to the Iraq War in 2003.

The belief that Iraq possessed WMD was a key factor in the decision to go to war, as it was used to justify the invasion and overthrow of Saddam Hussein's regime. However, after the invasion, no substantial evidence of WMD was found, leading to widespread debate and criticism regarding the intelligence that had led to the war.

The United States, under the leadership of President George W. Bush, played a prominent role in making the case for the existence of WMD in Iraq. This position was supported by the governments of France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United Nations at the time. The collective belief in the existence of WMD in Iraq was based on intelligence reports, assessments, and previous actions by the Iraqi regime, including its non-compliance with weapons inspections.

The quote also highlights the significance of international consensus and cooperation in matters of global security and conflict resolution. The fact that multiple countries and the United Nations shared the belief in Iraq's possession of WMD underscores the complexity of international relations and the impact of shared intelligence and diplomatic efforts on shaping foreign policy decisions.

However, the aftermath of the Iraq War and the failure to find WMD in Iraq led to a reevaluation of the intelligence that had been used to justify the invasion. This had profound implications for the credibility of the governments and organizations involved, as well as the broader discourse on the use of military force based on intelligence assessments.

The quote by Jim Gerlach serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges associated with international relations, intelligence gathering, and decision-making in matters of war and peace. It also raises important questions about the responsibility of governments and leaders to accurately assess and communicate information that can have far-reaching consequences for global security and stability.

In conclusion, the quote sheds light on the widespread belief in Iraq's possession of WMD among various countries and international organizations before the United States intervened in Iraq. It underscores the impact of this shared belief on the decision to go to war and the subsequent scrutiny and reevaluation of the intelligence that had led to that decision. The quote by Jim Gerlach encapsulates a critical moment in recent history and invites reflection on the complexities of international diplomacy, intelligence assessment, and the use of military force.