Explains to Murphy How Mission Was Accomplished

To the Editor:
Here is the answer to William Murphy’s question regarding ‘Mission Accomplished.’ Our goals in wreaking shock and awe on Iraq after Saddam refused to voluntarily leave and accept Libya’s invitation to live there in exile were:
• To capture Saddam;
• Have the Iraqis hold a democratic election of a new government;
• See the newly elected government create and ratify a new Constitution.
These three goals were accomplished by the time President Bush made his photo-op drop onto the carrier. Our mission had been accomplished.
Then ‘insurgents,’ and locals armed by the insurgents, for a variety of their own reasons and ancient tribal rivalries, became determined that no new parliamentary-style government would take hold in Iraq.
Actually 9/11 was generated on Clinton’s ‘watch.’ Osama himself said Clinton’s tepid responses to hits on U.S. property here and abroad left the U.S. looking like a “paper tiger,” and no wonder. His administration regarded attacks on the USS Cole, two African embassies and the first World Trade Center as criminal matters, not terrorism.
His mind was on Markie Post, Eleanor Mondale, Denise Rich, and Monica Lewinsky — not defending the U.S. from terrorists. The 9/11 plot took six years of preparation.
GEORGIA MAKIVER
Lansdale, Pa.