Iraq

Saddam's regime prepares for escape from Iraq

Peter Beaumont and Jason Burke
Sunday November 17, 2002
The Observer

"A senior Iraqi envoy has visited several Arab states to ask for asylum for key members of Saddam Hussein's regime in the event of its overthrow.
According to Western diplomatic sources, the envoy – General Ali Hasan al-Majid, known as 'Chemical Ali' to Iraqi Kurds for his role in the attack on Kurds at Halabja in 1988 – visited Algeria, Tunisia and Libya in September to sound out governments about asylum for senior Iraqi officials fleeing the collapse of the Ba'ath regime.

Other reports have suggested that members of the regime have recently been in Syria to organise an overland route for Saddam's family to flee in the event of a massive US-led attack. However, all reports suggest Saddam himself would remain behind.

Although it is possible the story is being circulated by Western intelligence agencies to undermine morale within the regime, it seems likely there is much truth in these accounts."

http://www.observer.co.uk/iraq/story/0,12239,841865,00.html

What's In Saddam Hussein's Inbox?
Internet Security Freelancer Had Chance To Snoop

DURHAM, N.H. – So, what's in Iraqi president Saddam Hussein's e-mail inbox?

You might be surprised to find out that his might not look much different than the one you have – including spam.

Brian McWilliams is a freelancer who deals with Internet security, and he said he had a chance to snoop through an inbox that contains e-mail addressed to the Iraqi leader. After sifting through the official Iraqi Web site, he found the government-controlled site that lets people send e-mail to Saddam and lets officials check their accounts.

McWilliams said the most disturbing thing he found was the spam sent to Saddam from U.S. companies, offering business deals. That kind of offer would be illegal because of the U.S. sanctions against Iraq.

In addition, there were threats against the Iraqi leader – as well as requests for autographed photos.

One e-mail was from a California CEO claiming he could help ignite large portions of the atmosphere. Another requested an autograph. Both were among those inside Saddam Hussein's e-mail box that a journalist managed to hack into.

A little while ago, my friend came back from a trip to Russia. She was changing her Rubles back into Canadian dollars, and she decided, just for fun, to also get 250 Iraqi dinars. These, she showed us at the bar, that evening. I took the money, and folded it carefully in three places (the middle of Saddam's eyes and nose). This gives the effect of making the picture look either happy or sad depending on which way you tilt the money. This trick is good for hours of fun with any type of money, but it's extra-cute with Saddam. He has a droopy mustache when he's sad.