Meaning: The quote "In the post-9/11 world you cannot give him the benefit of the doubt. As a result of our going into Iraq, not only is Saddam Hussein gone, but Qaddafi has given up his weapons of mass destruction and tremendous progress is being made in Iraq." by Peter King, a politician, reflects the complex and controversial nature of US foreign policy in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. This quote encapsulates the sentiment that emerged in the United States during this period, where there was a heightened sense of vulnerability and a perceived need for assertive and decisive action in response to perceived threats.

The post-9/11 world refers to the geopolitical landscape that emerged after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. This event profoundly impacted US foreign policy and led to a paradigm shift in the way the US approached national security and its engagement with other countries. The quote suggests a shift in attitude towards international relations, emphasizing a more cautious and proactive approach in dealing with potential threats.

The reference to Saddam Hussein and Qaddafi highlights the context of the Iraq War and the subsequent intervention in Libya. The Iraq War, launched in 2003, was a highly contentious and divisive conflict that resulted in the overthrow of Saddam Hussein's regime. The decision to go into Iraq was based on the belief that the country possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), a claim that later proved to be unfounded. The mention of Qaddafi giving up his weapons of mass destruction alludes to the disarmament efforts in Libya, which occurred in the aftermath of the Iraq War and amid international pressure.

The quote suggests that the actions taken in Iraq and the broader post-9/11 response had positive outcomes, as evidenced by the removal of Saddam Hussein and the disarmament of Qaddafi. It also implies that these developments contributed to "tremendous progress" being made in Iraq, although the exact nature of this progress is not specified in the quote. This perspective aligns with the narrative put forth by proponents of the interventions, who argued that these actions were necessary to address security threats and promote stability in the region.

However, it is important to note that the quote reflects a specific viewpoint and does not capture the full spectrum of opinions and interpretations regarding the US actions in the post-9/11 era. The Iraq War, in particular, continues to be the subject of intense debate, with critics highlighting the human cost, geopolitical implications, and the lack of WMDs as a justification for the conflict. Additionally, the aftermath of these interventions has been marked by ongoing instability, sectarian violence, and political challenges in the affected countries.

In conclusion, Peter King's quote encapsulates the mindset of a post-9/11 world, emphasizing the need for decisive action and the perceived positive outcomes of US interventions in Iraq and Libya. However, it also underscores the complexities and controversies surrounding these events, reflecting the ongoing debates and divergent perspectives on US foreign policy in the early 21st century.