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'Saddam letter' urges resistance
LONDON, England -- A London Arabic newspaper has published what it says is a letter from deposed Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein urging Iraqis to resist coalition forces. The handwritten letter was dated April 28, Saddam's 66th birthday, and was faxed to the Al-Quds Al-Arabi newspaper, said its editor, Abdel Bari Atwan. "I think the letter is genuine," Atwan said. "We can't verify it because we don't know where he is, he is on the run. I have seen his signature before and it looks like it. I think it is authentic." If the letter is authentic, it would be the first indication that Saddam survived coalition bombing of Baghdad. The newspaper published the text of the letter as well as an image of the fax, including the signature. Al-Quds quoted sources close to Saddam as saying the letter was authentic. According to the letter, Saddam abandoned his palaces a long time ago to live in a small house. He did not say where. The letter urges Iraqis not to descend into sectarian strife. "Rise up against the occupier, don't trust those who speak about Sunnis and Shiites because the only issue now for your great country Iraq is the occupation. "There are no priorities except kicking out the infidel, criminal, murderous and cowardly occupier," the letter says. "Iraq ... will be victorious ... and we will rebuild Iraq which they want to divide into pieces. "Unite and then the enemy and the traitors who came in with it will flee. ... Boycott the occupier, this is your duty under Islam, religion and the nation." Atwan said he was not surprised to receive the fax. "We have received letters and e-mails from Osama bin Laden. People know we are a credible and honest newspaper with circulation all over the world." The newspaper also published a statement by a group called Iraqi Resistance and Liberation saying Saddam would make a statement to Iraqis within 72 hours. "I believe that for the statement Saddam will try to emulate Osama bin Laden, by issuing a video tape or audio cassette to a prominent satellite channel," Atwan said. "There is a resemblance now between him and Osama bin Laden. Both are on the run, both are against the United States, both are suffering from U.S. military presence in their country. I think he will try to use his style by issuing his statement in this way. "I expect it to be issued at any time, but you have to remember he is on the run, he does not have a fixed address, so I would not be surprised if there was some delay."
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