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Bush's 'Crusade' Against Terrorism Threatens Diplomatic Solutions

7/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

President George W. Bush saw the Iraq war as a "crusade" against "evil-doers," fueled by deep-seated fears of terrorism. Meanwhile, Britain's ambassador cautioned Prime Minister Tony Blair that Bush's unwavering resolve to topple Saddam Hussein was diminishing any hopes for diplomatic resolutions before the March 2003 invasion.

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Story summary

President George W. Bush saw the Iraq war as a "crusade" against "evil-doers," fueled by deep-seated fears of terrorism. Meanwhile, Britain's ambassador cautioned Prime Minister Tony Blair that Bush's unwavering resolve to topple Saddam Hussein was diminishing any hopes for diplomatic resolutions before the March 2003 invasion.