Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Saddam's son Odai rejects Bush ultimatum

Ap
Monday 17 March 2003 20:00 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Saddam Hussein's elder son today rejected the US ultimatum for the Iraqi leader and his family to leave Iraq, saying President Bush should instead resign.

In a statement distributed by the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, Odai Hussein said Bush was "unstable" and that the US leader "should give up power in America with his family."

Odai also warned that a U.S.–led attack will force Iraq to broaden the war against the United States.

Any attack on Iraq, he said, would leave "the wives and mothers of those who fight us constantly crying ... They should not believe there is a single safe spot for them inside Iraq or outside Iraq."

Odai had been tipped as his father's successor until an attempt on his life in 1996, which left him seriously injured. He is now the leader of a pro–government militia, Saddam's Fedayeen, as well as chairman of the Iraqi Olympic Committee and the soccer federation.

Despite a waning of his political fortunes, he remains a powerful figure in Iraq.

His brother Qusai, however, is now widely thought to be Saddam's right–hand man. He is in charge of Saddam's personal protection and the elite Republican Guard Corps.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in