In a BBC interview on August 29, 2002, Secretary of State Colin Powell said: ” ‘We know that [Iraq] had weapons of mass destruction 12 years ago. And we know that in the four years since the inspectors were removed that they have been continuing to pursue that kind of technology, both with respect to chemical and biological weapons. Now, how much more they have done since 1998, and what their inventories might be like now, this is what is not known and this is one of the reasons it would be useful to let the inspectors go in. The President [Bush] is examining all of our options–political, diplomatic, military,’ Powell continued. ‘He has said to all of our friends and allies around the world he will consult closely with them, and that of course includes consulting with the United Nations.’ ”
– Karen DeYoung, Soldier: The Life of Colin Powell, Page 408