# Sadam didn't have links with Al-Qida, now it's a relationship **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [June 17, 2004, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sadam-didnt-have-links-with-al-qida-now-its-a-relationship/250888 "2004-06-17T16:34:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![cmason32](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/51bf81/32.png) [@cmason32](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmason32)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2004, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sadam-didnt-have-links-with-al-qida-now-its-a-relationship/250888/21 "2004-06-17T20:14:24Z")
We believe there to be Al-Qaeda in this US. Does that mean we have a relationship with them? ---
**Author:** ![Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tapioca_Dextrin)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2004, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sadam-didnt-have-links-with-al-qida-now-its-a-relationship/250888/22 "2004-06-17T21:38:51Z")
There must have been at least 20 “meetings” between US officials and the hijackers (when they got their passports stamped). This is at least a good a connection than the meeting in Sudan where Iraqi officials told Bin Laden “thanks but no thanks”. ---
**Author:** ![PatriotX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@PatriotX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatriotX)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2004, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sadam-didnt-have-links-with-al-qida-now-its-a-relationship/250888/23 "2004-06-17T21:40:50Z")
> [@Tapioca Dextrin](#): > > Can someone remind me what the difference between newspeak and double speak is? Newspeak streamlines double_think_. Doublethink and newspeak render double speak obsolete. ---
**Author:** ![Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tapioca_Dextrin)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2004, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sadam-didnt-have-links-with-al-qida-now-its-a-relationship/250888/24 "2004-06-17T21:41:48Z")
I’ve just realised what that this whole thing makes complete sense Chenry Gang: There are strong links between Sadam and Al-Qida. 9/11 committee: We find no credible evidenceof links Conclusion: 9/11 committee think that Bush et al have absolutely no cedibility. ---
**Author:** ![PatriotX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@PatriotX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatriotX)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2004, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sadam-didnt-have-links-with-al-qida-now-its-a-relationship/250888/25 "2004-06-17T21:51:48Z")
[The Link you’re referring to?](http://www.ucomics.com/anntelnaes/2004/06/16/) ---
**Author:** ![Apos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/838e76/32.png) [@Apos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Apos)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2004, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sadam-didnt-have-links-with-al-qida-now-its-a-relationship/250888/26 "2004-06-17T23:26:10Z")
Example of Bush outright lying about what he’s previously argued on this matter: [http://slate.msn.com/id/2102608/](http://slate.msn.com/id/2102608/) Kevin Drum also points out: [http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2004\_06/004168.php](http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2004_06/004168.php) What ME country DIDN’T have “relationships” with Al Qaeda as close or closer? Even the U.S. had relationships with various members at some points. This “relationship” thing reeks of desperation to try and divert attention from former bullshit. ---
**Author:** ![Apos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/838e76/32.png) [@Apos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Apos)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sadam-didnt-have-links-with-al-qida-now-its-a-relationship/250888/27 "2004-06-18T00:27:12Z")
Ale, if the report you quoting is true, doesn’t that mean that the U.S. was basically willing to let British citizens be killed just because it didn’t want to alter its timetable for war or do anything that would jeopardize their claim that there were Al Qaeda in Iraq? Should that be, like, pretty disgusting to British citizens everywhere? ---
**Author:** ![Ale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@Ale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ale)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sadam-didnt-have-links-with-al-qida-now-its-a-relationship/250888/28 "2004-06-18T00:55:34Z")
> [@Apos](#): > > Ale, if the report you quoting is true, doesn’t that mean that the U.S. was basically willing to let British citizens be killed just because it didn’t want to alter its timetable for war or do anything that would jeopardize their claim that there were Al Qaeda in Iraq? Should that be, like, pretty disgusting to British citizens everywhere? I guess so, if I´d be a British citizen I´d be howling. ---
**Author:** ![Atticus\_Finch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ec9cab/32.png) [@Atticus\_Finch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atticus_Finch)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sadam-didnt-have-links-with-al-qida-now-its-a-relationship/250888/29 "2004-06-18T01:35:51Z")
> [@Tapioca Dextrin](#): > > Chenry Gang: There are strong links between Sadam and Al-Qida. The spelling, it burnssss. You’ve repeated these mistakes a few times. Saddam, two d’s. And al Qaeda or al Qaeda, take your pick. There’s a definite ‘a’ sound in there. ---
**Author:** ![pantom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/34f0e0/32.png) [@pantom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pantom)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sadam-didnt-have-links-with-al-qida-now-its-a-relationship/250888/30 "2004-06-18T01:38:16Z")
**SimonX** : your post made my brain hurt. Thanks. You know, Bush is leading Kerry in the polls as I write this. I’m trying to imagine four years of Bush - and Cheney and Ashcroft and Rumsfeld - completely free, because they won’t have to face another election. Trying, but not succeeding. These guys are really, really scary. ---
**Author:** ![Legolamb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/4491bb/32.png) [@Legolamb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Legolamb)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 10:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sadam-didnt-have-links-with-al-qida-now-its-a-relationship/250888/31 "2004-06-18T10:39:18Z")
> [@Apos](#): > > Ale, if the report you quoting is true, doesn’t that mean that the U.S. was basically willing to let British citizens be killed just because it didn’t want to alter its timetable for war or do anything that would jeopardize their claim that there were Al Qaeda in Iraq? Should that be, like, pretty disgusting to British citizens everywhere? Come on, we already despise him and think he’s the worst American president of all time anyway. What more do you want from us? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![World\_Eater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sadam-didnt-have-links-with-al-qida-now-its-a-relationship/250888/32 "2004-06-18T14:23:58Z")
Putin taking one for the team? wtf? [http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/europe/06/18/russia.warning/index.html](http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/europe/06/18/russia.warning/index.html) ---
**Author:** ![Avenger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9de0a6/32.png) [@Avenger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Avenger)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sadam-didnt-have-links-with-al-qida-now-its-a-relationship/250888/33 "2004-06-18T14:29:51Z")
> [@World Eater](#): > > Putin taking one for the team? wtf? > > [http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/europe/06/18/russia.warning/index.html](http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/europe/06/18/russia.warning/index.html) The best bit of that article is: > [@](#): > > Cheney said Thursday the evidence is “overwhelming” that al Qaeda had a relationship with Saddam’s regime. He said media reports suggesting that the 9/11 commission has reached a contradictory conclusion were “irresponsible.” 😃😃 :wally ---
**Author:** ![World\_Eater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sadam-didnt-have-links-with-al-qida-now-its-a-relationship/250888/34 "2004-06-18T14:30:55Z")
More bullshit from Chaney (he’s really a fucking scumbag) [http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/06/18/cheney.iraq.al.qaeda/index.html](http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/06/18/cheney.iraq.al.qaeda/index.html) > [@](#): > > “There clearly was a relationship. It’s been testified to. The evidence is overwhelming,” Cheney said in an interview with CNBC’s “Capitol Report.” > [@](#): > > In his CNBC interview, Cheney went a bit further. Asked if Iraq was involved in 9/11, he said, “We don’t know.” > [@](#): > > Asked if he knows information that the 9/11 commission does not know, Cheney replied, “Probably.” Un-fucking-believable ---
**Author:** ![World\_Eater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sadam-didnt-have-links-with-al-qida-now-its-a-relationship/250888/35 "2004-06-18T14:39:20Z")
Why the fuck doesn’t someone make a commercial with Rummy shaking Saddam’s hand under the caption “Al Qaeda wasn’t the only one with a relationship to SH” \ [sub]Paid for by people who don’t want WW3[/sub] KERRY ARE YOU LISTENING??? ---
**Author:** ![Avenger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9de0a6/32.png) [@Avenger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Avenger)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sadam-didnt-have-links-with-al-qida-now-its-a-relationship/250888/36 "2004-06-18T14:52:33Z")
\*\*Asked if he knows information that the 9/11 commission does not know, Cheney replied, “Probably.” \*\* Are you reading FBI?? ---
**Author:** ![World\_Eater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sadam-didnt-have-links-with-al-qida-now-its-a-relationship/250888/37 "2004-06-18T15:19:10Z")
Full interview, but be warned, your blood may boil. _An obfuscation lesson_ by Dick Cheney [http://www.drudgereport.com/flash3.htm](http://www.drudgereport.com/flash3.htm) ---
**Author:** ![PatriotX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@PatriotX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatriotX)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sadam-didnt-have-links-with-al-qida-now-its-a-relationship/250888/38 "2004-06-18T20:33:14Z")
**[CHENEY: CLEAR LINKS BETWEEN SADDAM, AL-QAEDA; CALLS NY TIMES ARTICLE ‘OUTRAGEOUS’](http://www.drudgereport.com/flash3.htm) _Thu Jun 17 2004 19:00:33 ET_** “…responding to a report from the 9-11 Commission saying it had found no evidence of ‘collaboration’ between Iraq and Al Qaeda” “Vice President Dick Cheney… called the New York Times coverage of the story ‘outrageous’.” **Vice Pres. CHENEY** : I disagree with the way their findings have been portrayed. _\_ There’s clearly been a relationship. There’s a separate question. The separate question is: Was Iraq involved with al-Qaida in the attack on 9/11? _\_ What The New York Times did today was outrageous. … **The press wants to run out and say there’s a fundamental split here now between what the president said and what the commission said**. Jim Thompson is a member of the commission who’s since been on the air. I saw him with my own eyes. And **there’s no conflict**. **What they were addressing was whether or not they were involved in 9/11**. And there they found no evidence to support that proposition. **They did not address the broader question of a relationship between Iraq and al-Qaida in other areas, in other ways**. **Vice Pres. CHENEY** : But that is a separate question from what the press has gotten all in a dither about, The New York Times especially, on this other question [of whether or not there was a general relationship between UbL and Hussein]. What they’ve done is, I think, distorted what the commission actually reported, certainly according to Governor Thompson, who’s a member of the commission. **BORGER** : But you say you disagree with the commission… **Vice Pres. CHENEY** : On this question of whether or not there was a general relationship. **BORGER** : Yes. **Vice Pres. CHENEY** : Yeah. **BORGER** : And they say that there was not one forged and you were saying yes, that there was. Do you know things that the commission does not know? **Vice Pres. CHENEY** : Probably. **BORGER** : And do you think the commission needs to know them? **Vice Pres. CHENEY** : I don’t have any–I don’t know what they know. I do know they didn’t talk with any original sources on this subject that say that in their report. **BORGER** : They did talk with people who had interrogated sources. **Vice Pres. CHENEY** : Right. **BORGER** : So they do have good sources. **Vice Pres. CHENEY** : Gloria, the notion that there is no relationship between Iraq and al-Qaida just simply is not true. [Since there actually _is_ a diagreement between “what the president said and what the commission said,” and if it _is_ outrageous that the NYT would say that ‘there’s a fundamental split here now between what the president said and what the commission said,’ this means that the VPotUSA is just outraged that the NYT would say it?] **BORGER** : Well, let’s get to Mohammad Atta for a minute, because you mentioned him as well. You have said in the past that it was, quote, “pretty well confirmed.” **Vice Pres. CHENEY** : No, I never said that. **BORGER** : OK. **Vice Pres. CHENEY** : Never said that. **BORGER** : I think that is… **Vice Pres. CHENEY** : Absolutely not. What I said was the Czech intelligence service reported after 9/11 that Atta had been in Prague on April 9th of 2001, where he allegedly met with an Iraqi intelligence official. We have never been able to confirm that nor have we been able to knock it down. \*\*[The Vice President Appears on NBC’s Meet the Press](http://www.google.com/search?q=cache:S7isUp5lO-4J:www.whitehouse.gov/vicepresident/news-speeches/speeches/vp20011209.html+%22pretty+well+confirmed%22+cheney+site:.gov&hl=en) \*\* _December 9, 2001_ **RUSSERT** : Do you still believe there is no evidence that Iraq was involved in September 11? **CHENEY** : Well, what we now have that’s developed since you and I last talked, Tim, of course, was that report that’s been pretty well confirmed, that he did go to Prague and he did meet with a senior official of the Iraqi intelligence service in Czechoslovakia last April, several months before the attack. ---
**Author:** ![World\_Eater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sadam-didnt-have-links-with-al-qida-now-its-a-relationship/250888/39 "2004-06-18T20:42:18Z")
Christ, I feel like I’m turning into some quasi version of **Reeder** , 'cept Cheney is my Bush. ---
**Author:** ![vibrotronica](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/a9a28c/32.png) [@vibrotronica](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vibrotronica)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2004, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sadam-didnt-have-links-with-al-qida-now-its-a-relationship/250888/40 "2004-06-18T20:54:27Z")
So if Cheney has access to information that the 9/11 commission didn’t have, why didn’t he freakin’ give it to them when he “testified” (not under oath, so there was no testicle swearing) with Bush? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sadam-didnt-have-links-with-al-qida-now-its-a-relationship/250888.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sadam-didnt-have-links-with-al-qida-now-its-a-relationship/250888.md?page=3)