Keith Burgess-Jackson, J.D., Ph.D.

11-4-90 . . . George [Herbert Walker] Bush is talking stupid. When American troops were sent to Saudi Arabia three months ago, Bush made it clear that their mission was defensive. They were to protect the Saudis from Iraqi attack. But at the same time, Bush announced that Iraqi president Saddam Hussein [1937-2006] must leave Kuwait. That is well and good, but here it is, early November, and Hussein is still in Kuwait. Reports are that he is ransacking the place. The American naval blockade, designed to suffocate Iraq, may be hurting them, but not enough to force a withdrawal. Many politicians and commentators say that the status quo—Hussein in Kuwait, American troops stationed in the Arabian desert—is unacceptable. Some people are calling for offensive action by the United States and its allies; others want Westerners to leave the area, since it’s fairly clear that Hussein never had designs on Saudi Arabia. Bush himself is suggesting that offensive action is imminent. The cynic in me sees this as an attempt to deflect attention from the budget, which includes increased taxes; the goal is to make Bush and his administration look energetic and strong. There’s also an election in a couple of days, so Bush may be trying to help fellow conservatives get elected. I just hope we don’t get into another Vietnam situation in which we’re pursuing vague objectives in a far-off place and spending human lives as if they were nickels.