Saddam Hussein's Last Interview Before US Invasion
CBS News Reporter Dan Rather's Exclusive Conversation with Embittered Iraqi Leader
Background:
Shortly before the United States invaded Iraq in 2003, CBS News reporter Dan Rather embarked on a daring mission to Baghdad. His goal was to secure an exclusive interview with the enigmatic Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.
The Interview:
On February 24, 2003, Dan Rather sat down with Saddam Hussein for a face-to-face interview. The interview took place in a heavily fortified presidential compound in Baghdad.
During the interview, Hussein expressed his unwavering defiance against the United States and its allies. He dismissed claims that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction and accused the US of fabricating an excuse for war. Rather's questions were met with Hussein's characteristic evasiveness and fiery rhetoric.
Significance:
The Saddam Hussein interview was a rare glimpse into the mind of a defiant dictator on the brink of war. It provided an invaluable insight into his motivations and his determination to resist the impending invasion.
The interview became a historical moment in journalism and continues to be referenced in discussions about the lead-up to the Iraq War. It serves as a reminder of the power of journalism to shed light on even the most secretive and dangerous regimes.
Legacy:
Saddam Hussein was eventually overthrown in the US-led invasion and executed in 2006. The interview he gave to Dan Rather remains a poignant reminder of a tumultuous chapter in world history.
The video footage of the interview has been widely shared and analyzed, providing historians and scholars with valuable insights into the psychology of a ruthless dictator.
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