Baghdad Made Overture to Avert U.S. War

[pinkeye]

Baghdad Made Overture to Avert U.S. War

By PAULINE JELINEK, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - Just days before U.S.-led forces invaded Iraq (news - web sites), officials claiming to speak for a frantic Iraqi regime made a last-ditch effort to avert the war, but U.S. officials rebuffed the overture, Pentagon (news - web sites) officials said Thursday.



An influential adviser to the Defense Department received a secret message from a Lebanese-American businessman indicating that Saddam Hussein (news - web sites) wanted to make a deal, they said.


The chief of the Iraqi Intelligence Service and other Iraqi officials had told the businessman that they wanted Washington to know that Iraq no longer had weapons of mass destruction and offered to let American troops and experts do an independent search, said officials, who discussed the matter only on condition of anonymity.


The Iraqi officials also offered to hand over a man accused of being involved in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing who was being held in Baghdad, they said.


Iraq said long before the war — and captured officials still maintain — that the country had no unconventional weapons. Though none has been found in seven months of searching, finding the weapons and overthrowing Saddam were the main reasons the Bush administration gave for going to war.


Defense Department officials confirmed some details of the prewar overture, first reported late Wednesday by ABC News and The New York Times.


But they dismissed the idea that the offers could have averted war, since numerous other efforts by the United Nations (news - web sites) and others had failed.


"Iraq and Saddam had ample opportunity through highly credible sources over a period of several years to take action to avoid war and had the means to use highly credible channels to do that," said Pentagon spokesman Lawrence Di Rita.


"Nobody needed to use questionable channels to convey messages," he said in a statement.


Messages from Baghdad, first relayed by the businessman in February to an analyst in the office of Douglas Feith, the undersecretary of defense for policy and planning, were part of an attempt by Iraqi officers to persuade the Bush administration to open talks through a clandestine channel, people involved in the discussion told the Times.


The attempts were portrayed by Iraqi officials as having Saddam's endorsement, but it was not clear if American officials viewed them as legitimate.


In early March, Richard Perle, an adviser to top Pentagon officials, met in London with the Lebanese-American businessman, Imad Hage, officials said. According to both men, Hage laid out the Iraqis' position and pressed the Iraqi request for a direct meeting with Perle or other U.S. representatives.


The CIA (news - web sites) authorized Perle's meeting with the Iraqis, but eventually told him they didn't want to pursue the channel.


The Times quoted internal Pentagon e-mails from Mike Maloof, the analyst in Feith's office, to an aide to Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz, outlining the Iraqi overtures. It was unclear, however, if top officials at the Pentagon pursued the matter. Maloof, who lost his security clearance over another issue, is on paid administrative leave from the Pentagon.


Hage previously lived in suburban Washington, where he started an insurance company. He moved to Lebanon in the 1990s and has been trying for 10 years to break into politics there but so far with little success.


He could not be reached immediately in Lebanon for comment.

[jlanni]

saddam had 11 years to make that... if i were bush i wouldnt have accepted it either

[Russian Texan]

if i were bush i wouldnt have accepted it either

I'am sure that parents,children and loved ones of those who got killed or injured in Iraq wouldn't have either...

GOD, WHAT HAVE WE DONE TO DESERVE SUCH A RETARD TO BE OUR PRESIDENT? WHY THOSE TERRORIST DIDN'T RAM THIER AIRPLANE INTO THE WHITE HOUSE, IT WOULD BE FARE AND SAVED A LOT OF LIVES IN THE LONG RUN.

[pinkeye]

saddam had 11 years to make that... if i were bush i wouldnt have accepted it either

saddam shouldn't have been supported in the first place. the international community should have acted in the '80s, but that's just my idealism shining through. :roll:

[Deuterium]

if i were bush i wouldnt have accepted it either

I'am sure that parents,children and loved ones of those who got killed or injured in Iraq wouldn't have either...

GOD, WHAT HAVE WE DONE TO DESERVE SUCH A RETARD TO BE OUR PRESIDENT? WHY THOSE TERRORIST DIDN'T RAM THIER AIRPLANE INTO THE WHITE HOUSE, IT WOULD BE FARE AND SAVED A LOT OF LIVES IN THE LONG RUN.

You sir, do not know what was going on in Iraq.

[Seoulstriker]

if i were bush i wouldnt have accepted it either

I'am sure that parents,children and loved ones of those who got killed or injured in Iraq wouldn't have either...

GOD, WHAT HAVE WE DONE TO DESERVE SUCH A RETARD TO BE OUR PRESIDENT? WHY THOSE TERRORIST DIDN'T RAM THIER AIRPLANE INTO THE WHITE HOUSE, IT WOULD BE FARE AND SAVED A LOT OF LIVES IN THE LONG RUN.


saddam is a pathological liar. nice try, red.

[Deuterium]

BTW if you are an American citizen it is a felony to make statements on taking the life of the President.

[Russian Texan]

What I know is that US soldiers dying for no reason and Iraqis don't want us there.

[Seoulstriker]

What I know is that US soldiers dying for no reason and Iraqis don't want us there.

where do you live? i know you're not from texas.

US soldiers dying for no reason? :slap:

iraqis don't want us there? :slap:

[Deuterium]

What I know is that US soldiers dying for no reason and Iraqis don't want us there.

Obviously with this statement you prove you don't know anything about the current forces in Iraq and the American fighting man.

[Deuterium]

Talk to a Kurd or a southern Shia and ask him if the want the US there.

[Russian Texan]

To SeoulStriker:
Houston, Texas in the 77058 zip code area :)

Kids, just keep watching CNN, FOX, etc....oh and don't forget to get a daily dose of D.Ramsfeld.

[Seoulstriker]

Kids, just keep watching CNN, FOX, etc....oh and don't forget to get a daily dose of D.Ramsfeld.


go back the russia.

[budanski]

Saddam: "Can you hear me now?"
Bush: "Sorry, you're breaking up. Pshhhhhh pshhhhhh" - click

We offered Saddam an overture, too ..... in November of 2002. It was called UN Resolution 1441.

Deploring the fact that Iraq has not provided an accurate, full, final, and complete disclosure, as required by resolution 687 (1991), of all aspects of its programmes to develop weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles with a range greater than one hundred and fifty kilometres, and of all holdings of such weapons, their components and production facilities and locations, as well as all other nuclear programmes, including any which it claims are for purposes not related to nuclear-weapons-usable material,
Notice that it says that he is to disclose, not that we should get his permission to run around the country digging in the sand looking for the stuff.

U.N. Security Council Resolution 1441 (http://usinfo.state.gov/topical/pol/terror/02110803.htm)

[Russian Texan]

go back the russia.

I am going to Russia, actually couple of times per year :) I have dual citizenship.

[He219]

I read about this a few days back.

It makes no difference what political ploys Saddam's regieme was making in the end. It was 12 years too late.

The facts are that Saddam only allowed UNSCOM inspectors back into Iraq AFTER an imminent threat of Military Action presented itself with US Forces mobilizing in an effort to enforce compliance of GW1 peace terms.

Remember that Iraq was actively targeting aircraft and pilots patrolling the northern and southern no-fly zones, clearly establishing it's hostilities.

:P

[Guttorm]

Did you guys hear about the challange Saddam sent to Bush?
That instead of going to war, them two sould just meet and battle it out?

Hehehe, now THAT would be a boxing game I'd see...
Even though saddam would just use one of his lookalikes...

I WONDER why the white house turned down the offer... :D

[spier]

Saddam: "Can you hear me now?"
Bush: "Sorry, you're breaking up. Pshhhhhh pshhhhhh" - click

We offered Saddam an overture, too ..... in November of 2002. It was called UN Resolution 1441.

Deploring the fact that Iraq has not provided an accurate, full, final, and complete disclosure, as required by resolution 687 (1991), of all aspects of its programmes to develop weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles with a range greater than one hundred and fifty kilometres, and of all holdings of such weapons, their components and production facilities and locations, as well as all other nuclear programmes, including any which it claims are for purposes not related to nuclear-weapons-usable material,
Notice that it says that he is to disclose, not that we should get his permission to run around the country digging in the sand looking for the stuff.

U.N. Security Council Resolution 1441 (http://usinfo.state.gov/topical/pol/terror/02110803.htm)..and Saddam gave the UN a few thousands pages long report describing all of Iraqi's weapon programs(no discrepancies have yet been found AFAIK). Well, apart from Powells killer drones(a ****ing RC plane that the Iraqis had shown to journalists on TV..) and those missiles that exceeded the range limitations given by the UN..by a few kilometers...when not loaded with a warhead. :roll:

But I guess FOX didn't give it much coverage?

[Russian Texan]

All of the info/news that people get in US is terribly one sided, if you watch european newscast you'll see a completely different picture of the situation. Anyways, what I think the right thing to do, is to have a referendum - let the Iraqis vote and decide whether they want US forces in their country or they don't. I think the rusult will surprize many....

[Seoulstriker]

All of the info/news that people get in US is terribly one sided, if you watch european newscast you'll see a completely different picture of the situation.


rofl rofl rofl


that's exactly the point. the european press is completely anti-american and what you see is a terribly biased view of the iraqi situation. if you watch FNC, you get a much better picture of what is going on in ALL of iraq, not just the location of attacks and bombings.

[budanski]

All of the info/news that people get in US is terribly one sided, if you watch european newscast you'll see a completely different picture of the situation. Anyways, what I think the right thing to do, is to have a referendum - let the Iraqis vote and decide whether they want US forces in their country or they don't. I think the rusult will surprize many....

reposted for your viewing pleasure.

WashingtonTimes: Most in Baghdad wants U.S. to stay (http://www.washtimes.com/world/20031014-114236-3725r.htm)
Two-third Iraqis want troops to stay: Poll (http://www.ndtv.com/template/template.asp?template=Usiraqconfrontation&slug=Two-third+Iraqis+want+troops+to+stay%3A+Poll&id=43700&callid=1)
83% of Iraqis want American troops to stay (http://gandalf.ics.uci.edu/blog/2003/06/83_of_iraqis_want_american_troops_to_stay.html)
Poll: Most in Baghdad want troops to stay (http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2003-10-14-baghdad-poll_x.htm)

[spier]

Budanski, there are more cities than Baghdad in Iraq..

[budanski]

true, but the majority of the attacks are in the Sunni Triangle.

[He219]

Just don't forget to pay your European Television/Radio Taxes, or the special police will come into your home looking for your required access to information contributions!


:|

[pinkeye]

as budanski points out, the average iraqi feels a hell of a lot better knowing the saddam regime is dead. americans have to stay for obvious reasons. sure, there will be problems, and we shouldn't be duped into believing that uncle saddam stepped in out of sheer benevolence, but it's safe to say that the iraqis will greatly benefit in the long-run (that's if everything goes according to plan). now, what happens if iraq is islamicised a la iran? what if this is the will of the people? questions for another day...

[Russian Texan]

To Budanski: Are those same 80+ percent that cheer and dance on top of the destroyed US equipment? Those are "poll numbers" which are in no way represent the oppinion of most Iraqis. Polls are usually taken among
small group of individuals(<1000 or so) and can be terribly inaccurate, for example: the one can go and take a poll among Halliburton board of directors if they are happy with US foreign policy....you get my drift


To SeoulStriker:

After seeing pictures of you...how should I put it gently - YOU ARE SO NOT COOL, MAN... If the word ever gets out about me talking to you - it can damage my rep :)
Hopefully some day you'll grow up both physically and mentally and then you'll understand. Meanwhile look at my footnote regarding credibility of the media.

[spier]

To Budanski: Are those same 80+ percent that cheer and dance on top of the destroyed US equipment? Those are "poll numbers" which are in no way represent the oppinion of most Iraqis. Polls are usually taken among
small group of individuals(<1000 or so) and can be terribly inaccurate, for example: the one can go and take a poll among Halliburton board of directors if they are happy with US foreign policy....you get my drift


To SeoulStriker:

After seeing pictures of you...how should I put it gently - YOU ARE SO NOT COOL, MAN... If the word ever gets out about me talking to you - it can damage my rep :)
Hopefully some day you'll grow up both physically and mentally and then you'll understand. Meanwhile look at my footnote regarding credibility of the media.Where are pics of "SeoulStriker"? Please, I need a good laugh.

[Seoulstriker]

To Budanski: Are those same 80+ percent that cheer and dance on top of the destroyed US equipment? Those are "poll numbers" which are in no way represent the oppinion of most Iraqis. Polls are usually taken among
small group of individuals(<1000 or so) and can be terribly inaccurate, for example: the one can go and take a poll among Halliburton board of directors if they are happy with US foreign policy....you get my drift

no, the people dancing on top of destroyed US equipment are the 20- percent. ;)



To SeoulStriker:

After seeing pictures of you...how should I put it gently - YOU ARE SO NOT COOL, MAN... If the word ever gets out about me talking to you - it can damage my rep :)
Hopefully some day you'll grow up both physically and mentally and then you'll understand. Meanwhile look at my footnote regarding credibility of the media.

which pictures of me? i don't know which picture you are referring to.

[Russian Texan]

SeoulStriker

http://www.xbox-connection.com/hostedimages/39A.jpg

And his mama :) I hope not
http://www.xbox-connection.com/hostedimages/21A.jpg

[Seoulstriker]

no, that is not my mother!

here is a very recent photo of me:

http://www.xbox-connection.com/hostedimages/MeAtParty.jpg

[spier]

And his mama :) I hope not
http://www.xbox-connection.com/hostedimages/21A.jpgI'd hit it.

[Russian Texan]

Dude, it's not the picture or the camera that took it - its you... In this life one can make it either on looks, brain or luck.... Gee man, I hope you are lucky...

[ßå$tĮТHÏ¿ð]

Personally I wouldnt care if Saddam was a patholigical lair or not. The fact is if there was a last minute deal trying to be made it should have been worked on. Saddam is not a stupid man, he could taste defeat in the air. Sure he had 11 years to F*ck nato around, but when the army was at his door step situations changed and it should have been an option worth trying.

[Seoulstriker]

Dude, it's not the picture or the camera that took it - its you... In this life one can make it either on looks, brain or luck.... Gee man, I hope you are lucky...

are you making fun of the way i look?

if so, i feel sorry for you, because this is how you probably look:

http://www.weezerville.com/ass.jpg

[usa320]

I'd hit it.


Assuming your reffering to the chick on the stairs who is talking on the cell phone, id hit it as well...

:lol:

[admar2]

go back the russia.

I am going to Russia, actually couple of times per year :) I have dual citizenship.

guess you're happy its not the USSR anymore huh?


you're welcome.

;)

[Gordon]

All of the info/news that people get in US is terribly one sided, if you watch european newscast you'll see a completely different picture of the situation.


rofl rofl rofl


that's exactly the point. the european press is completely anti-american and what you see is a terribly biased view of the iraqi situation. if you watch FNC, you get a much better picture of what is going on in ALL of iraq, not just the location of attacks and bombings.

That's such BS man ... I mean, jesus ... go and watch some of the frigging channels mate, I dunno where you get the twisted idea that euorpean news channels are anti-american.