Saddam Hussein Reemerges in Public, Sends Signals to UN Inspectors

Saddam Hussein, Iraq's leader, made a high-profile appearance in two central Iraqi villages on Saturday, recalling his 1959 attempt to assassinate General Abdul-Karim Qassem. Since his last public outing in Mosul, a month ago, Hussein's reappearance indicates growing confidence in his personal safety. He believes Iraq is overcoming its isolation, and the country will soon end the embargo imposed by the UN. This appearance also suggests Hussein's reluctance to engage in another confrontation with UN inspectors searching for his country's weapons of mass destruction.

Key Takeaways:

• Saddam Hussein's public appearance in two central Iraqi villages on Saturday marks a significant shift in his confidence in personal safety, as he showcased a willingness to interact with the public after a seven-year absence.
• Hussein's visit to the villages was followed by a visit to the UN inspectors at his palace compound in Tikrit, where they searched for chemical and biological weapons and missiles to deliver them, marking a significant milestone in the implementation of the agreement made on 23 February.
• The inspectors from the UN Special Committee on Iraq were accompanied by 20 diplomats as they visited the eight presidential sites, indicating a diplomatic control over the site visits and potentially pleasing the Iraqi government.
• Jayantha Dhanapala, the UN Under Secretary for Disarmament, stated that 50% of their job is done and they are progressing well with implementing the memorandum of understanding, as far as the initial rounds of visits are concerned.
• Saddam Hussein's public appearance was also significant because it emphasizes his connection to the 1959 attempt to assassinate General Qassem, a pivotal moment in his career with the ruling Ba'ath Party.
• The visit to the villages was an opportunity for Hussein to reconnect with his past and to signify his growing confidence in his position of power.

Statistics:

• 20 diplomats accompanied the inspectors from the UN Special Committee on Iraq as they visited the eight presidential sites.
• 50% of the UN inspectors' job has been completed, according to Jayantha Dhanapala, the UN Under Secretary for Disarmament.
• Four out of eight palaces have been seen by the inspectors so far.
• Hussein's attempt to assassinate General Qassem, during which he was shot in the leg, has often been retold in Iraqi propaganda films.

Sources:

• "Saddam Returns; UN Inspectors Visit His Palace Complex", The Times, 1999.
• Interview with Antonio Montero, the Portuguese Ambassador to the UN.
• Statement by Jayantha Dhanapala, the UN Under Secretary for Disarmament.