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Allawi: Saddam Connected to Al Qaeda

James Joyner
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NBC News — Allawi: Saddam connected to al-Qaida

On Tuesday, NBC’s Tom Brokaw spoke with new Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi, who still believes that Saddam was connected to al-Qaida.

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Brokaw: I know that you and others like you are grateful for the liberation of Iraq. But can̢۪t you understand why many Americans feel that so many young men and women have died here for purposes other than protecting the United States?

Allawi: We know that this is an extension to what has happened in New York. And — the war have been taken out to Iraq by the same terrorists. Saddam was a potential friend and partner and natural ally of terrorism.

Brokaw: Prime minister, I̢۪m surprised that you would make the connection between 9/11 and the war in Iraq. The 9/11 commission in America says there is no evidence of a collaborative relationship between Saddam Hussein and those terrorists of al-Qaida.

Allawi: No. I believe very strongly that Saddam had relations with al-Qaida. And these relations started in Sudan. We know Saddam had relationships with a lot of terrorists and international terrorism. Now, whether he is directly connected to the September — atrocities or not, I can’t — vouch for this. But definitely I know he has connections with extremism and terrorists.

Among the others who will be tried with Saddam Hussein are his old deputy prime minister Tariq Aziz and the man known as “Chemical Ali,†Ali Hassan al Majid.

Stay tuned.

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8 responses to “Allawi: Saddam Connected to Al Qaeda”

  1. Director Mitch Avatar
    Director Mitch

    Note Browkaw’s contempt of a Prime Minister of a foreign country. Instead of questioning Allawi, shouldn’t Browkaw be questioning the commission?

  2. Boyd Avatar
    Boyd

    C’mon, Mitch, everyone knows Allawi’s not a real Prime Minister!

  3. Anne Haight Avatar
    Anne Haight

    I think it’s interesting that Brokaw keeps trying to talk about American imperialism and how there’s no connection between Saddam and terrorists, and Allawi basically ignores him and discusses the actual issue of, you know, the war and stuff.

  4. Jeff Begley Avatar
    Jeff Begley

    I am more than a little confused. I thought the 9/11 Commission found a definitive link between Hussein and al Qaida but not a link between the dictator and the specific attacks.

    Did I hear that wrong?

    If I am not mistaken, then is Brokaw’s stance that we should sit back and only go after those who have already killed or attacked US persons?

  5. M Thornhill Avatar
    M Thornhill

    Brokaw reminds me of Dan Rather’s gushing interview style with Saddam in his heyday. Remember? These vain anchors are clueless about patriotic values, love of Country or sense of morality. This is why their TV networks are in decline. The vast majority of this Country knows who is Right & who is Wrong.
    We remember New York in 9/11 and we will not forget.

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