dictator did in fact get rid of his weapons of mass destructionbut kept the world guessing about it in an effort to divide theinternational community and stave off a U.S. invasion.
The strategy was designed to make the Iraqi dictator look strongin the eyes of the Arab world. At the same time, Saddam retained thetechnical know-how to restart the programs at any time.
Saddam's alleged weapons bluff was detailed by an Iraqi officialwho assisted Saddam for many years. The official refused to beidentified, citing fear of assassination by Saddam's paramilitaries.
Saddam told him, "'These foreigners, they only respect strength,they must be made to believe we are strong,'" the aide said.
Publicly, Saddam denied having unconventional weapons. But hethrew up obstacles to UN weapons inspectors looking for them.
AP
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