Saddam pays Gaddafi $3 billion to give his family safe haven in Libya

The Times ^ | November 16, 2002 | Michael Evans

[mamelukesabre]

I wonder what saddam's plan is for all his weapons? You think he has plans of selling, or dispersing, or hiding them in neighboring nations too? Or maybe he would just give them to al-quaeda.

If I were saddam, I think I would just give them away to the likes of al-quaeda, and simply tell them "use them well".

[SlightOfTongue]

Doesn't make sense. Why, just because they are family, would he give up those extra "human shields"?

[MedicalMess]

SADDAM HUSSEIN has made secret plans for his family and leading members of his regime to be given political asylum in Libya in the event of a war with America or a successful internal coup in Baghdad.

"It appears your mission is no longer classified."

[Man of the Right]

Not sure about not allowing male family members to go. Practically speaking, the Bush Administration has to be thinking the cost of allowing the Takriti clan to go into exile would be less than war.

Governments always talk. In recent years, it's been learned even Churchill was talking to the Nazis about surrender after Dunkirk. Not that he would have done it, but politicians always try to keep communication open.

[Man of the Right]

If Saddam were willing to give up power (not likely), the Bush Administration would jump at a deal that would give the Takriti clan exile -- children, women, men, gays, lesbians, their pets and livestock. Alternatively, I could see a quid pro quo to allow the Takriti women and children to leave.

[speekinout]

If Saddam were willing to give up power (not likely), the Bush Administration would jump at a deal that would give the Takriti clan exile

Exile would also get them out of Iraq, where they might try to destabilize a new gov't. It's easy to see why the Bush admin. would discuss such a deal, and harder to see why Saddam would - he's killed his own son-in-law. But maybe he'd prefer life in prison to certain death. Life in prison is the best he can negotiate for himself.