Bush: 'We're going to deal with' Saddam

News conference contains critical words on Israel

RON FOURNIER THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON -- President Bush said Wednesday that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein is a menace "and we're going to deal with him," and said Osama bin Laden -- a man he once said he wanted dead or alive -- has been reduced to a marginal figure in the war on terrorism.

"He's the ultimate parasite who found weakness, exploited it, and met his match," Bush said of the suspected mastermind behind the Sept. 11 attacks. "I truly am not that concerned about him."

Nuclear weapons

In his first full-blown news conference in five months, Bush produced strong rhetoric on the war and U.S. enemies. Bush said he is leaving "all options on the table" as the Pentagon reworks its nuclear weapons policy to deter any attack on the United States -- including from non-nuclear states such as Iraq, Iran, Libya and Syria.

Critics say the Pentagon's plans to produce less powerful nuclear weapons make it more likely the United States will eventually launch a nuclear attack. But the president said a modern nuclear arsenal is "a way to say to people who would harm America: 'Don't do it.' "

In a slap at one of the closest U.S. allies, Bush criticized Israel for escalating military action against Palestinians. "It's not helpful what the Israelis have recently done."

Bush expressed optimism that U.S. envoy Anthony Zinni would be able to reduce violence on his Mideast trip.

On Iraq, Bush vowed to consult with allies, many of whom are urging the United States not to take military action. "All options are on the table. But one thing I will not allow is a nation such as Iraq to threaten our very future by developing weapons of mass destruction."

Vice President Dick Cheney is in the region building the case against Iraq. Bush said Saddam has a record of killing his own people, developing weapons of mass destruction and breaking agreement to allow weapons inspectors into the country.

The Olympian Copyright 2002

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