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American Morning

Iraqi Opposition Would Welcome U.S. Troops

Aired August 14, 2002 - 08:11   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

PAULA ZAHN, CNN ANCHOR: Turning now to the U.S. war of words against Iraq, even though most Arab nations have said they cannot support U.S. efforts to oust Saddam Hussein by force, the U.S. has gotten an offer of help from within Iraq itself.
Just yesterday, an Iraqi opposition leader told CNN American troops are welcome to use Kurdish-controlled parts of northern Iraq to launch an attack on Saddam Hussein.

With the view from Iraq, we're joined by Jane Arraf in Baghdad -- good morning, Jane.

JANE ARRAF, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Paula.

Well, for ordinary Iraqis, this is yet one more thing to worry about. From the Iraqi government, a resounding silence after this extraordinary statement that's virtually a declaration of war. Now, that's because anything this important, the reaction has to come from the very top, from President Saddam Hussein, who hasn't yet spoken, but is likely to give some sort of reaction to this. It's a particular provocation because he has repeatedly called for dialogue with the Kurds.

Now, this call by Jalal Talabani saying that he would warmly welcome U.S. troops also included a call for U.S. protection. After this statement, he's quite likely to need it.

It's not the whole picture, though. There is another major Kurdish faction in control of the rest of northern Iraq and they're likely not going to go down this very dangerous road -- Paula.

ZAHN: So, Jane, are you expecting any kind of announcement from Saddam Hussein's government to this provocation or alleged provocation?

ARRAF: There likely will be something. He speaks in very carefully constructed appearances on television and in the form of speeches. It likely wouldn't merit, in the Iraqi government's mind, a particular speech, since a part of the reason -- a part of their strategy these days is to keep a low profile and to pretend that those things don't matter too much.

But we will likely be hearing about it in one of the evening newscasts, in which he appears quite regularly, briefing his cabinet, giving instructions to Iraqis and doing other things to indicate he's still here and still in power. Again, this is an extraordinary statement from the head of this Kurdish faction. For years he's been saying that actually they're quite happy with the Iraqi regime. Clearly, that's not the case and he's going to act against it, it seems -- Paula.

ZAHN: Jane Arraf, thanks so much for the update. Appreciate it.

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