Knowledge Tree
Relations (1)
cross_type 2.81 — strongly supporting 6 facts
Saddam Hussein was the leader of Iraq who conducted significant diplomatic and political activities in Baghdad, including meetings with U.S. diplomats [1], [2], UN officials [3], and King Hussein of Jordan [4], while also being the central figure in regional tensions centered on the city [5], [6].
Facts (6)
Sources
The Persian Gulf TV War by Douglas Kellner (http://www.gseis.ucla ... pages.gseis.ucla.edu 6 facts
accountOn August 3, 1990, King Hussein of Jordan visited Saddam Hussein in Baghdad, where the Iraqi President indicated he was prepared to make major compromises, including a potential withdrawal from Kuwait, and stated he had signed a nonaggression pact with Saudi Arabia.
accountSaddam Hussein told UN Secretary General Pérez de Cuéllar in Baghdad that he would withdraw from Kuwait on August 5, 1990, provided that a mini-summit planned for August 4 in Jeddah was successful.
quotePatrick Tyler reported in the Washington Post: "Saddam called in the ranking U.S. diplomat in Baghdad, and told him categorically that Kuwait now belongs to Iraq and there was no going back, according to Administration officials. 'It's a done deal,' one U.S. official said, characterizing Saddam's message. Another official said Saddam appended a specific warning that if Saudi Arabia shuts down the Iraqi crude oil pipelines that cross the Saudi desert to the Red Sea, Iraq will attack the kingdom. The warning further stated that if American forces intervene in the region, Iraq will 'embarrass' the United States, the official said."
quoteJohn Kelly's statements were broadcast on the World Service of the BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation] and were heard in Baghdad. At a crucial hour, when war and peace hung in the balance, Kelly had sent Saddam Hussein a signal that could be read as a pledge that the United States would not intervene.
accountThe New York Times reported on August 5, 1990, that an Arab mediation summit was postponed, noting that President Saddam Hussein was not prepared to attend and Saudi Arabia feared meeting without him would be perceived as an anti-Baghdad initiative.
claimBush administration officials disseminated false information regarding a meeting between Saddam Hussein and the U.S. chargé d'affaires in Baghdad to mainstream media outlets.