Some thoughts on Saddam Hussein and Iraq

Inaugural ceremony was held at a very modern conference centre where President Saddam Hussein was supposed to come and address the audience (but he did not). We gathered from sources that usually he does not appear at the last moment and send someone to represent him. Anyway, I was impressed with the devotion of the Iraqi ladies who each and every time Saddam's name was pronounced in the speeches cheered (by making a noise like ulu lu lu) from all over the hall. Most of the ladies I met were wearing lockets with Saddam's photo. I have seen the President's picture imprinted on most of the buses, trucks etc. In short Saddam Hussein was everywhere. We were taken to Karbala, Hajrat Ali's Mazaar, where we saw some bodies in coffins accompanied by relatives.

We came to know that those were the bodies of soldiers who died in the war, brought here before burial. I also heard that relatives were not supposed to mourn for them for more than two days as the soldiers who died for the country would go to heaven; so the relatives should be happy rather being sad and mourn. The conference was held in a grand style at Al Rashid Hotel where we also stayed. Everybody including the delegates from the US and Kuwait praised Saddam for his role as emancipator, as a liberal leader etc. etc. We were given a big reception at one of the palaces but again without the Presi- dent.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

Frankly, I could not approve the way Saddam Hussein was governing, rather ruling the country as I am a believer in democracy. It was absolutely one man show through regimentation. Although he was supposed to be very popular he was not sure of his own security. We heard that there were many exits and entrances in his palaces and nobody was supposed to know through which gate he would enter or leave the palace -- that would be an instantaneous decision by him only.

Before going to Iraq I had idea that Iraq was a rich country, culturally and economically. But after staying for a few days we could notice the effect of war with Iran on Iraqi economy. Life was not very easy. Although we saw many beer shops alongside the roads (a sign of liberal affluence) people did not seem to be very happy. Sho-pping centres were shabby and empty. Overall bad effect of war was visible and felt and then never again the people of Iraq saw good time.

Since 1991, after the sanction was imposed following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, people of Iraq have been struggling for their existence. About half a million children died due to effect of sanction. Hundreds of men, women and children have been killed in recent war on Iraq; many more others lost limbs and have been maimed in the bombings. But why? For whose fault and whose benefit? I never understood why Saddam Hussein took such moves and decisions in the first place which harmed his country and caused suffering for the Iraqis. All the rich revenue from oil, all his bravery, his parley with different countries at different times could not bring prosperity and happiness for his fellow countrymen. I must agree that with strong hands he at least could rule a country against many odds but it seems everything was done at the cost of the people of Iraq. Saddam Hussein lived away from people in a grand style in grand palaces which we could see now after the war (much of those were bombed and destroyed, which was not necessary at all).

In my idle thoughts I try to find reasons why it has been so happening. Why the wars? Why Saddam Hussein behaved like this (Kuwait invasion)? His actions more or less went mostly in favour of the parties who sell arms and weapons and against his nation and ultimately caused invasion and occupation of his country. When coalition forces invaded Iraq, time to time we heard from Saddam (at least so made to believe) messages against coalition forces which ultimately would delay their departure from Iraq now for security reasons. Recently another headline in newspaper attracted our attention which seemed ominous to me: "Saddam urges Iraq to use mosques against occupation forces". We don't know whether it is Saddam or any one else exploiting the situation in his name. In my opinion it is very undiplomati and unwise. Why mosque, where people go for solace, for prayer, for asking divine blessings from the Almighty Allah should be used for war purpose? Does the caller want mosques to be invaded or bombed in the name of security reasons? Does he want the innocent devotees to be harassed, searched, tortured while coming from or going to mosques? What is the motive behind this directive? All these questions puzzle me. Why powerful coalition forces could not find Saddam's whereabouts! Why it was so easy to send a tape to some journalist which was publicised through media all over the world? What Saddam Hussein actually want? Extended duration of occupation forces?

I could never understand why leaders all over the world cannot solve problems through negotiation. If North Korean WMD problem can be negotiated without having a war why not Iraq's? Why always innocent people of the world are to suffer? Isn't this because of ambitious desire and greed of some to grab power and use wealth of others? Sometimes I blame Allah for giving wealth to people and countries who have no power and capacity to protect it as often it causes miseries and creates perennial problem for them.

There should be an end of these conflicts which result in misery and death of innocent people. There must be some ways to solve the problems of the oppressed. For one Saddam, Bush or Blair why millions of Iraqis should suffer? Like many other free peoples in the world should not they have the right to make their own destiny choosing their own leader who would bring peace and prosperity for them?

Munira Khan is a social activist.