Quote by P. J. O'Rourke

There's no telling what might have happened to our defense budget if Saddam Hussein hadn't invaded Kuwait that August and set everyone gearing up for World War II. Can we count on Saddam Hussein to come along every year and resolve our defense-policy debates? Given the history of the Middle East, it's possible.

There's no telling what might have happened to our defense b

Summary

This quote suggests that the invasion of Kuwait by Saddam Hussein in 1990 effectively shifted the focus and priorities of defense budgets worldwide, particularly in the United States. The argument humorously questions whether relying on such unexpected events is a sustainable or reliable way to resolve defense-policy debates. It implies that the volatility and unpredictability of the Middle East's history may continue to influence defense policies in the future.

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By P. J. O'Rourke

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