(2002-09-17) — The Iraqi House majority leader lashed out at Saddam Hussein today for his “hasty decision” to allow U.N. weapons inspectors to return to the Republic of Iraq.
“We’re concerned that President Hussein may be fooled by all the peaceful talk coming out of the U.N.,” said an aide to the majority leader. “We have the votes to override Hussein’s action, and in any case, it certainly wouldn’t stand up in a court challenge.”
Debate on the inspection measure had dragged on for weeks in the Iraqi Congress before President Hussein issued an executive order re-admitting the U.N. teams.
“We in the majority party don’t want to make this a political football,” the unnamed aide said, “but President Hussein should be well aware of the implications of his actions with elections just around the corner.”

Polling data in the Republic is running 3-to-2 against allowing inspectors. Despite his popularity, sources said Hussein knows better than to swim against the tide of public opinion.
“The Congress represents the people of the Republic of Iraq,” said the aide, “and it must enact the will of the people.”
Other Congressional sources said they were looking for a way to allow President Hussein to “save face” after this “policy gaff”.
“We want to show a united front to the world community,” said one source, “but make no mistake, if he stands firm on this he’ll pay a price politically.”
Related Link: Letter from Iraq to U.N.

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