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The Bush Administration Never Considered Saddam Hussein Responsible for the September 11 Terrorist Attacks in the U.S. - 2003-09-17

Feb 9, 2026 February 9, 2026 1 min read 📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway

Condoleezza Rice clarified that the Bush administration did not hold Saddam Hussein responsible for the September 11 attacks, despite believing he supported terrorists. A poll revealed that a significant majority of Americans still believed in Saddam's involvement, highlighting a disconnect between government assessments and public perception.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: The gap between government assessments and public belief reflects ongoing challenges in U.S. foreign policy communication.

👥 Key Players

Condoleezza Rice MENTIONED
National Security Advisor
"As a key figure in the Bush administration, her statements shaped U.S. foreign policy and public perception regarding Iraq and terrorism."
Saddam Hussein MENTIONED
Former President of Iraq
"His regime was a focal point in U.S. foreign policy post-9/11, influencing military actions and regional dynamics."
The American Public MENTIONED
U.S. citizens surveyed
"Their beliefs and perceptions can influence political decisions and foreign policy."

📰 What Happened

Condoleezza Rice clarified that the Bush administration did not believe Saddam Hussein was responsible for the September 11 attacks, despite a significant portion of the American public believing otherwise. This highlights a disconnect between government assessments and public opinion.

  • 69% of Americans believed Saddam Hussein was involved in the September 11 attacks according to a poll.
  • The Bush administration acknowledged Saddam's support for terrorists but did not link him directly to the attacks.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: Iran may view the U.S. narrative as a justification for its own regional policies and actions against perceived threats.
🌍 Regional: This disconnect could influence regional perceptions of U.S. intentions and actions in Iraq and the broader Middle East.
🌐 International: The belief in Saddam's involvement could affect international support for U.S. policies in the region and complicate diplomatic relations.

📚 Background

Following the September 11 attacks, the U.S. government sought to link Iraq to terrorism, which played a significant role in the justification for the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

U.S.-Iraq War Terrorism and Middle Eastern politics
📡 Source: NEUTRAL
📊 Confidence: 70%
The information is from a government official's statement and a reputable poll, providing a factual basis for understanding public opinion.

The National Security Advisor of the U.S. President stated that the Bush administration never considered Saddam Hussein responsible for the September 11 terrorist attacks in the U.S. Condoleezza Rice said on the television program 'Nightline' on Tuesday evening that the Bush administration believed Saddam Hussein supported and trained terrorists. However, they never concluded that he directed or controlled the September 11 attacks. Nevertheless, results from a new poll conducted by The Washington Post indicate that 69% of Americans surveyed believed Saddam Hussein played a role in the September 11 attacks.

🌐

Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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