Dan Rather Interview with Saddam Hussein

Historic Interview Airs on CBS

Background

In 2003, shortly before the US invasion of Iraq, CBS News reporter Dan Rather traveled to Baghdad to interview then-Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. The interview marked Hussein's first meeting with an American journalist in over a decade.

The interview, which aired on CBS's "60 Minutes II," was a major news event. Hussein discussed a range of topics, including his relationship with the US, the impending invasion, and his views on terrorism.

Key Points of the Interview

During the interview, Hussein made several notable statements. He stated that he would resist demands by the US to disarm, saying, "We are not afraid of war." He also denied having weapons of mass destruction and accused the US of seeking to control Iraq's oil.

Hussein also discussed his relationship with the US, saying that he had "no problem" with the American people, but that he believed the US government was seeking to overthrow him.

Impact of the Interview

The interview between Dan Rather and Saddam Hussein was a major news story and sparked considerable debate. Some analysts saw the interview as an attempt by Hussein to intimidate the US and solidify his own position. Others saw it as a sign of Hussein's growing desperation in the face of the impending invasion.

Ultimately, the interview did not prevent the US invasion of Iraq. However, it remains a significant historical document, providing a glimpse into the mind of one of the world's most controversial leaders at a critical juncture in history.