BBC: 'Saddam tape' scorns WMD claims

[Q]

Last Updated: Thursday, 17 July, 2003, 16:42 GMT 17:42 UK

'Saddam tape' scorns WMD claims

An audiotape message attributed to Saddam Hussein has accused the US and Britain of fabricating arguments for invading Iraq.

It calls for further attacks on US-led coalition forces in the country and condemns Iraqis who co-operate with the occupying powers.

The message, in Arabic, was aired on the al-Arabiya television station on Thursday - the 35th anniversary of the seizure of power by the former Iraqi leader's Baath Party.

Coalition troops in Iraq have been placed on a high state of alert, reflecting concern about possible attacks to coincide with the anniversary.

It transpired that their statements were false and lies, and that the lies included in them were known to the US president and the British prime minister when they decided to stage war and aggression" he says.

In the message, the speaker denies the pre-war charges by the US and Britain that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction.

"It transpired that their statements were false and lies, and that the lies included in them were known to the US president and the British prime minister when they decided to stage war and aggression" he says. - http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3074775.stm

[jpgray]

1. That's one way to get criticism in the media! LOL

Get Saddam to say it.

[Q]

2. We could use all the help we can get...

...and besides...it keeps the story in the news and provides a reminder that Saddam is out there plotting revenge.

[jpgray]

3. My concern is for those who get branded "Saddam loyalists"

This lets the media explain away resistance as Ba'ath people, when it clearly is much wider. Not to mention the dubious quality of American justice meted out to "unconventional combatants". The image of a bag on some farmer's head as he's branded a fanatical Saddam-loving death commando is not at all pleasant.