Skip to content

Consequence Quote by John F. Kerry

“We must recognize that there is no indication that Saddam Hussein has any intention of relenting. So we have an obligation of enormous consequence, an obligation to guarantee that Saddam Hussein cannot ignore the United Nations. He cannot be permitted to go unobserved and unimpeded toward his…” quote by John F. Kerry
Download Open image
“We must recognize that there is no indication that Saddam Hussein has any intention of relenting. So we have an obligation of enormous consequence, an obligation to guarantee that Saddam Hussein cannot ignore the United Nations. He cannot be permitted to go unobserved and unimpeded toward his horrific objective of amassing a stockpile of weapons of mass destruction.”

John F. Kerry

About This Quote

Source Speech: United Nations Security Council Address, 2003

The speaker warns that Saddam Hussein shows no signs of surrender, urging strong international monitoring to prevent WMD proliferation.

In simple terms: Saddam likely won’t stop; we must watch him closely.

Key Takeaway

Maintain vigilant oversight of dangerous regimes.

Themes

security politics non‑proliferation leadership

Mood

urgent serious

Type

political strategic

When to use this quote

  • UN inspections
  • diplomatic negotiations
  • military readiness

Key Concepts

deterrence international law risk assessment

Questions to Reflect On

  • What alternatives exist to enforce compliance?
  • How can global consensus be built?
A Different Perspective

Over‑reliance on surveillance can strain diplomatic relations.

2.9 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by John F. Kerry

Explore all 312 John F. Kerry quotes

More Consequence quotes

Browse all 3,099 Consequence quotes