Baghdad Bob to speak, hopefully freely.

[Veyron]

I have two reports, but couldn't find the Al Jazeera article on their site, search function wouldn't work.

Friday, Sept. 12, 2003
Baghdad Bob Speaks: Saddam Sought Nukes

Al Jazeera reports on its Web site that Abu Dhabi television has interviewed the infamous Mohammed Saeed Al Sahhaf, the former Iraqi information minister known to Americans as "Baghdad Bob."

Al Jazeera wrote that Al Sahhaf will "reveal part of the war secrets and how ousted president Saddam Hussein felt he would lose the war."

"He was more frank and direct than previous interviews after the war ... he revealed many secrets before and during the war ... it was an exciting interview," his interviewer, Jaber Obaid, told Gulf News.

"You will notice that he has changed since the end of the war, both in style and appearance ... he speaks freely, looks lively and is well dressed. ... "

Baghdad Bob reportedly admitted, during the five-hour interview, that "Saddam believed that he will lose the war if it erupts," that Iraq did indeed seek nuclear weapons, and that King Hussein of Jordan sponsored secret talks between Iraq and the U.S. in a European capital long before the war.

Regarding Saddam himself, the Al Ittihad newspaper wrote, "Sahhaf apologized for being unable to answer some questions directly related to Saddam ... he also refused to blame him for what happened."

Second report.

Sahhaf will say things he never said before: TV

CAIRO, July 12: Iraq's former information minister left Baghdad filled with "sadness and hope," he said in an interview televised on Friday with an Arab station that plans to chronicle the last days of Saddam Hussein's regime as seen through the eyes of the one-time spokesman for Iraq's deposed president.

Mohammed Saeed al-Sahhaf arrived in Abu Dhabi late Thursday to take part in a series of interviews with the Abu Dhabi satellite station.

The channel on Friday aired a short interview with Mr al- Sahhaf, who received wide attention during the US-led invasion of Iraq for hurling anti-American insults and transparently false claims of stunning Iraqi military victories over coalition forces.

Mr al-Sahhaf "will say things he never said before" about the last days of the regime and the days following its fall, the commentary accompanying Friday programme's said. It was unclear when any further interviews would be aired.

In the clips of an interview conducted aboard Mr al-Sahhaf's plane as it left Baghdad, the former Iraqi official said: "This departure is accompanied with mixed feelings. It has sadness and hope."

"I have many issues that are conflicting in my mind, my consciousness and my thoughts. My only solace is to be optimistic and remain faithful and to side completely with the truth to stay alive and continue working," he said.

Mr al-Sahhaf disappeared the day Baghdad fell on April 9 and was reportedly hiding in a relative's home in the Iraqi capital fearing revenge from angry Iraqis. Last month, he said he had turned himself over to coalition forces but was set free. He is not on the list of 55 Iraqi wanted officials. Mr al-Sahhaf, aged in his early 60s, conducted his first TV interviews in Baghdad late last month following Saddam's ouster.

Abu Dhabi TV's Baghdad correspondent, Jabir Obeid, said now that Mr al-Sahhaf was out of Iraq, he could speak freely.

"The man was in Baghdad, and Baghdad is still unsafe, and Saddam is still a free man. Al-Sahhaf may say things that might not please Saddam or others of the previous regime," Obeid said during Friday's programme. -APP

Should be interesting if he can speak freely, or funny if he can't. Of course he could be a total nut case.

[NSX-R-SSJ20K]

I don't think the guy is stupid. He might have something interesting to say. If he say's anything like Sadamn had WMD's then Blair and Bush will be jumping for joy.

[Veyron]

Originally Posted by NSX-R-SSJ20K

I don't think the guy is stupid. He might have something interesting to say. If he say's anything like Sadamn had WMD's then Blair and Bush will be jumping for joy.

I doubt he's going to save anyone's bacon at this point.

[YogsVR4]

They guy was sent out to spread his message and he did it regardless of ludicrous it sounded.

[Veyron]

Originally Posted by YogsVR4

They guy was sent out to spread his message and he did it regardless of ludicrous it sounded.

I agree, but after years of brain washing could he have a coherent thought now?

[Dan_in_WA]

I hope Baghdad Bob goes to Hollywood and makes a fortune. He'll be right at home in that enviroment, and has the same grasp of reality as the rest of the Hollyweird elite.

This guy may be serious when he spews the lunacy that he does, but so what? Get this dude on Saturday Night Live - NOW! He's more entertaining than anything else on primetime TV. Can you imagine what his own sitcom would be like? I'd take cable back to see that!!!

Better yet: Can you imagine him pitching a product in a TV commercial?!?! OH YEAH, BABY! BRING ON BOB!!!

What products or services would you all like to see promoted by BB?

Ford transmissions? Billy's Beer? Campaigning for Gray Davis?

Oh, this could be fun.....