William Scott Ritter Jr. (born July 15, 1961) is a former United States Marine Corps intelligence officer, United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) weapons inspector, author. He is widely recognized for his role in inspecting Iraq's weapons of mass destruction (WMD) capabilities and his subsequent criticism of the Iraq War and U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.

William's post-UNSCOM activities have solidified his legacy as a fearless and outspoken advocate for peace and diplomacy. Following his resignation from the United Nations Special Commission, Ritter emerged as a prominent anti-war figure, challenging the Bush administration's claims about Iraq's WMDs and the rationale for the Iraq War. With unwavering conviction, he used his platform to call for a more diplomatic approach to international conflicts, emphasizing dialogue over military intervention. Through books, media appearances, and public speeches, Ritter tirelessly championed the cause of peace, urging policymakers and the public alike to reevaluate the consequences of aggressive foreign policies. His courage to speak truth to power has inspired countless individuals and contributed significantly to global discussions on war, peace, and the ethical responsibilities of nations in the international arena.

Early Life and Military Background

Born into a military family in Gainesville, Florida, Ritter graduated from Kaiserslautern American High School in Germany in 1979. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts in the history of the Soviet Union from Franklin and Marshall College in Pennsylvania. Ritter served in the U.S. Army as a private before becoming an intelligence officer in the Marine Corps. During his 12-year military career, he focused on intelligence analysis related to conflicts such as the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and the Iran–Iraq War.

Weapons Inspector and UN Work

From 1991 to 1998, Ritter served as a weapons inspector for UNSCOM, tasked with finding and destroying Iraq's WMDs. He led 14 inspection missions and was involved in controversial actions, including supplying intelligence to the UK's MI6 and engaging in unauthorized collaborations with Israel. Ritter resigned from UNSCOM in 1998, citing frustrations with the UN Security Council's lack of action against Iraq's non-compliance.

Post-UNSCOM Activities

After leaving UNSCOM, Ritter became a vocal critic of U.S. policy toward Iraq and the broader Middle East. He wrote books and appeared in media outlets to discuss his views, often challenging official narratives about Iraq's WMD capabilities and the rationale for the Iraq War.

Legacy and Reception

While some praised Ritter for his insights and courage in speaking out against perceived injustices, others criticized him for his controversial actions and legal troubles. Ritter's contributions to the debate on Iraq's WMDs and the conduct of U.S. foreign policy remain topics of discussion and debate.

Selected Works

• "Endgame: Solving the Iraq Problem — Once and For All": A book where Ritter discusses Iraq's obstructive behavior, alleged CIA infiltration of UNSCOM, and the need for diplomatic engagement.

• "In Shifting Sands: The Truth About UNSCOM and the Disarming of Iraq": A documentary written and directed by Ritter, highlighting the history and impact of UNSCOM's inspections in Iraq.

• Commentary and Op-Eds: Ritter has contributed to various media outlets, offering his perspectives on U.S. foreign policy, the Iraq War, and global geopolitics.

William Scott Ritter Jr.'s work as a weapons inspector and subsequent criticisms of U.S. policy have left a lasting impact on discussions about Iraq, WMDs, and the complexities of international relations in the Middle East.