Saddam Splits Power Between Sons in Emergency Deal

National Journal, Radio Free Europe & Al Zaman Newspaper ^ | 11/17/2001 | The Hotline Newsletter-Weekend Scoop

[codebreaker]

Radio Free Europe reports that the London- based Al Zaman reported 11/16, Saddam Hussein held a meeting 11/14 with "his two sons" and top officials "to put into place the mechanism for Saddam's succession, particularly in the case of emergency."

Al Zaman "sources ruled out the possibility" of Hussein stepping down, but they said, "He is concerned about the posssibility he may be targeted in a military operation."

The sources say Hussein "has put in place a contingency plan" splitting Iraq's leadersip "between his two sons" and his deputy.

[M.K. Borders]

That kid in the picture is not soo terrified! If I remember right, I saw that kid in a video on CNN. When Saddam turned his back the kid rared up with clenched fists. He was going to do the SOB right in front of the press!! Only his mother grapping his arm and pulling him back at the last moment saved the situation. The little guy has been a hero to me ever since. I wish the video was shown more.

[Maelstrom]

Hmm...that lends an aspect to the situation that may cause the US to blunder.

Saddam expects us to support one brother over the other as they try to kill one another.

This is essentially what the US did with Iran and Iraq in the early 80's. Doing so again WOULD be a BLUNDER.

[curmudgeonII]

There's a good deal of similarity between Afghanistan and Iraq. Heavy oppression, country run into the ground by the leadership, terrorism is state-sponsored and [unfortunately] a badly disorganized opposition. It's also almost impossible to determine the popularity [or lack thereof] of the government.