The imminent prospect of Saddam Hussein's execution divided Arabs Wednesday, with some opinion-makers predicting it would inflame the conflict in Iraq and others saying it would be a warning to other dictators. Saddam's Ba'ath Party threatened to retaliate if the ousted Iraqi leader is executed; warning in a posting on its Web site that it would target US interests anywhere.
"The Ba'ath and the resistance (fighters) are determined to retaliate, with all means and everywhere, to harm America and its interests if it commits this crime," the statement said, referring to the execution. "The American Administration will be held responsible for any harm inflicted on the president because the United States is the decision-maker (in Iraq) and not the puppet Iraqi government," said the statement, which appeared on a Web site known to represent the Ba'ath and which is believed to be run from Yemen. |