Saddam's top men brush up on weapons and combat training

AFP | 5/06/02

[kattracks]

BAGHDAD, May 6 (AFP) - Under threat of US military strikes, Iraqi ministers and senior officials are undergoing training in the use of weapons and combat technique, the ruling Baath party's official newspaper reported Monday.

The training began Saturday as the United States again warned that it wanted to oust President Sadam Hussein on suspicion of developng weapons of mass destruction.

"On the orders of President Saddam Hussein," the defence minister is training "members of the leadership, ministers, all those with rank of minister and advisers to the presidential office," Ath-Thawra said. Many already have a military background.

"They spend an hour familiarising themselves with the Kalashnikov and its particularities then they have two hours stripping and re-assembling the rifle, " the daily said.

"Combat techniques, the use of arms and shooting," and military theory are all part of the programme, Ath-Thawra added.

Iraq announced last year that an army of 6.5 million volunteers has been trained to liberate Jerusalem from Israeli rule.

"The status quo is not acceptable with this regime," US national security adviser Condoleezza Rice said Sunday. "Regime change is the best solution," she added after press reports that an attack is being readied for next year with about 250,000 US troops.

[sleavelessinseattle]

Bump, Ping, Bump List for Condoleezza

Condi List

[sleavelessinseattle]

Anyone want to have a surrogate one-on-one battle for control of Iraq?...Saddam, We know you're too much of a coward to fight "W" and anyway, public urination is not acceptable in our country...Here, would you accept combat with this infidel woman? Oh no, she won't need any weapons other than that heavy metal trophy to cave in your melon for you...8-B

[Lion's Cub]

"On the orders of President Saddam Hussein," the defence minister is training "members of the leadership, ministers, all those with rank of minister and advisers to the presidential office," Ath-Thawra said. Many already have a military background.

"They spend an hour familiarising themselves with the Kalashnikov and its particularities then they have two hours stripping and re-assembling the rifle, " the daily said.

I notice it doesn't say that he issued them any ammunition. I wonder why...*Smirk*

[calmseas]

Saddam's top men brush up on weapons and combat training

I'm thinking slingshots and peashooters.

[What Is Ain't]

Train them well, Saddam, so when they turn their weapons on you they won't botch it.

[colorado tanker]

Hmmm. One hour for weapons familiarization. That only leaves seven hours for diverting money skimmed off "oil for food" payments into Swiss bank accounts. All in a days work.