Bush surprised Saddam didn't believe attack ultimatum

In a two-part interview to air on CBS' "Sunday Morning" and "Face the Nation," President George W. Bush tells CBS News' chief Washington correspondent Bob Schieffer that he was surprised to learn Saddam Hussein did not believe he would take military action in 2003.

Mr. Bush talks with Schieffer about his new book, in which he discusses his relationship with his father, President George H.W. Bush, and the decision to send troops into Iraq, among other topics.

"Face the Nation" marks its 60th anniversary with President Obama and George W. Bush

Mr. Bush told Schieffer he was surprised Hussein didn't leave Iraq when the United States threatened to go to war.


"You know, when he was captured -- I was told that the FBI agent that talked to him, he said, 'I just didn't believe Bush,'" he said. "And it's hard for me to believe he didn't believe me.

"It was hard in retrospect, for me to look back and say . . . I don't see how he could doubt my word," he added.

Mr. Bush also said he has no regrets about going to war.

"No, I think it was the right decision," President Bush said. "My regret is that -- a violent group of people have risen up again. This is 'Al Qaeda plus.' I put it in the book, they need to be defeated. And I hope we do. It's - I hope that the strategy works."

The first part of Schieffer's interview with Mr. Bush will be presented on "Sunday Morning," November 9 at 9:00 a.m. ET, on CBS.

The second part will be presented on the 60th anniversary broadcast of "Face the Nation" on Nov. 9, at 10:30 a.m. ET on the CBS Television Network.

Also featured on "Face the Nation": President Barack Obama's first television interview since last Tuesday's midterm elections.

f

We and our partners use cookies to understand how you use our site, improve your experience and serve you personalized content and advertising. Read about how we use cookies in our cookie policy and how you can control them by clicking Manage Settings. By continuing to use this site, you accept these cookies.