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| Axis of Evil |
| Still working on that Saddam exile plan... |
| 2003-02-02 |
| Source is Asia Times. Salt grains are over there... Even as the United States appears to be drawing closer by the day to attacking Iraq, behind-the-scenes efforts are continuing to find a peaceful solution to the crisis by forcing Saddam Hussein to step down at the eleventh hour to prevent his humiliating dethroning after defeat in war, with Saudi Arabia and the US playing a pivotal role in the diplomatic initiative. Asia Times Online has learned of an unpublicized visit to Pakistan by a high-powered Saudi delegation believed to have been headed by influential Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz, the defense minister. The Saudis flew into Rawalpindi last Friday aboard a special non-stop flight from Washington and then flew on to Paris the following day. The Pakistan government has not said a single word about the delegation, but a highly-placed official in the Islamabad administration told Asia Times Online that the mission was a part of ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at developing a plan for the exile of Saddam, as well as to discuss possible options for the future of Iraq. Pakistan's support of an "exile" plan for Saddam is important as it is an influential member of the 50-plus strong Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), which could, if it speaks with a united voice, increase the pressure on Saddam to step down before the bombs start falling. The OIC has to date been probably less effectual than the UN General Assembly. Since everyone else ignores it with impunity, I'm sure Sammy will, too... |
| Posted by:Fred Pruitt |