Saddam Outsmarts America Again

Saddam to set an army of ex-prisoners against Washington’s saboteurs

As November draws near (and it is supposed that the military operation in Iraq will star in November), it is becoming more and more interesting to watch what the key players, the USA and Iraq, are doing. As Washington’s “peacemaking initiative” won no universal support, it was stated on Friday that the condition of automatic use of force against Baghdad will be removed from the new resolution on Iraq. The USA also withdrew its suggestion that representatives of all five permanent members of the US Security Council should be included in the group of international inspectors.

This is not a failure of the US diplomacy at all; it’s rather a time out with which Washington will use to try to persuade tough members of the Security Council (Russia, China, and France). Not to commit the same mistakes, Washington decided at first to submit a new version of the resolution to the approval of the council members. Secretary of State Colin Powell says the new document comprises all elements that the USA thinks are necessary. He stressed once again that the USA seeks the signing of only one resolution on Iraq, not two; this resolution should state what consequences Iraq is to face if it disobeys UN demands.

It is unbelievable that the new document doesn’t restrain the USA in its use of military force against Iraq. This means that it doesn’t matter if Saddam obeys or not, as it will hardly matter. This humiliating wording demonstrates that the USA has some trump-cards that it will use during talks with Russia, China, and France. As for Russia, it is hardly happy with the situation. Last Saturday, Sharaf bin Ali Hussein, a representative of the Iraqi National Congress, in opposition to the Baghdad government, said that if the opposition comes to power, Iraq will review all contracts concluded with foreign oil companies. According to Saddam Hussein, in particular, contracts with Russian and French companies will be reviewed, which doesn’t mean at all that they will be voided.

However, it is said that the very fact that the contracts had been signed by Saddam Hussein will be taken into consideration at that. This is a direct blow against Russia’s economic interests in Iraq, interests about which we are making so much fuss and for which we are ready to fall out with anyone and anytime. Therefore, the talks are going to be stormy.

The situation in Iraq isn’t less interesting. Saddam Hussein, with the strongest belief that war is inevitable, has become extremely active. He is ready to make up with all enemies in the Arab world (both bygone enemies and current ones). Diplomatic contacts with Iran, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia are progressing in a big way. However, Saddam understands this is not enough, and for this very reason the idea to hold a referendum appeared; the referendum was designed to demonstrate the people’s support of their leader and his legitimacy. As a result of wonderful propaganda campaign, 100% support of the Iraqi leader was proved by the referendum.

Another brilliant action Hussein took was a general amnesty, which has recently started in Iraq. People convicted of murders and sentenced to death are to be released. There is one condition for their release only: relatives of the convicted should give their written consent to the amnesty. It is perfectly clear that as soon as these people are set free, they will be extremely grateful to Hussein for their freedom and will do everything for him and never betray him. Isn’t it nice company of the immortal?

Dmitry Litvinovich PRAVDA.Ru

Translated by Maria Gousseva

Read the original in Russian: https://www.pravda.ru/world/10536-irac/