*************** December 31, 2002
Bush: Attack by Iraq Could Hit Economy By REUTERS
Filed at 2:23 p.m. ET
CRAWFORD, Texas (Reuters) - President Bush warned on Tuesday that a major attack on the United States by Iraq or a group working on its behalf could cripple the U.S. economy.
``An attack from (Iraqi President) Saddam Hussein or a surrogate of Saddam Hussein would cripple our economy,'' Bush told reporters near his ranch in Crawford, Texas.
Bush said he hoped the showdown with Iraq ``will be resolved peacefully'' but added that Iraq's weapons declaration was ``short'' on specifics.
``He (Saddam) wasn't forthcoming,'' Bush added.