What significant intelligence issue did George W. Bush rely on when determining Iraq’s capabilities?

The significant intelligence issue that George W. Bush relied on when determining Iraq's capabilities was primarily centered around the concern of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). This category includes nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons. The Bush administration used the claim that Iraq possessed WMDs as a key justification for the invasion of Iraq in 2003. At the time, intelligence suggested that Iraq had ongoing programs to develop and stockpile such weapons, leading to fears that they could be used against the U.S. or its allies or fall into the hands of terrorist organizations.

The public and political discourse around this issue was heavily focused on WMDs, which contributed to the urgency for military action. The subsequent failure to find WMDs in Iraq led to significant controversy and led many to question the intelligence assessments that had been used to justify the invasion. Understanding this context is crucial when examining the decisions made during that period, as well as the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy and intelligence operations.