Meaning: The quote is attributed to Carl Levin, a former U.S. Senator from Michigan, who served in the Senate from 1979 to 2015. The quote addresses the common belief at the time that Saddam Hussein, the former President of Iraq, was perceived as a tyrant and a significant threat to the peace and stability of the region. It specifically mentions Saddam Hussein's alleged disregard for the mandates of the United Nations, as well as his purported efforts to build weapons of mass destruction and the means to deliver them. The quote reflects the political climate and discourse surrounding the decision to invade Iraq in 2003.

In the early 2000s, the United States, under the leadership of President George W. Bush, made the case to the international community that Saddam Hussein's regime posed a major threat due to his alleged possession of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and his unwillingness to comply with UN resolutions. This argument was a key factor in the decision to launch the invasion of Iraq in 2003, which resulted in the eventual removal of Saddam Hussein from power.

The belief that Saddam Hussein was actively pursuing the development of WMDs, along with his belligerent behavior and human rights abuses, was a prevalent narrative in the lead-up to the Iraq War. This perception was reinforced through statements by political leaders, intelligence reports, and media coverage, contributing to a widely held view that military intervention was necessary to prevent the potential use of WMDs by the Iraqi regime.

Carl Levin's quote captures the sentiment that was prevalent among many policymakers and political figures at the time, reflecting the concerns about Saddam Hussein's regime and its perceived threat to regional and global security. The notion that Saddam Hussein was "building weapons of mass destruction and the means of delivering them" was a central argument used to justify the military action taken against Iraq.

However, in the years following the invasion, the failure to find substantial evidence of active WMD programs in Iraq raised questions and criticisms about the initial justifications for the war. This discrepancy between the pre-war assertions and the actual findings regarding WMDs became a subject of significant debate and controversy, leading to a reassessment of the decision to go to war.

In retrospect, the quote by Carl Levin represents a perspective that was influential in shaping public opinion and policy decisions regarding the Iraq War. It encapsulates the prevailing narrative about the perceived threat posed by Saddam Hussein's regime and the urgency of addressing the alleged proliferation of WMDs. The subsequent reevaluation of the evidence and rationale for the war underscores the complexities and consequences of political decisions based on such beliefs and assertions.

Overall, the quote reflects a significant chapter in contemporary history, highlighting the interplay of political rhetoric, intelligence assessments, and international relations that shaped the discourse and actions surrounding the Iraq War. It serves as a reminder of the enduring impact and implications of decisions made in response to perceived threats to global security.