Posted on 03/21/2003 5:51:07 PM PST by Shermy
KUWAIT/IRAQ BORDER (Reuters) - A group of wealthy Kuwaitis celebrated what they hope will be Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's downfall by partying through the night at a farm on the Iraqi border.
Over jam sandwiches and warm camel milk, they began a nightlong vigil from their luxury frontline lookout as the countdown to the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq ticked closer.
"Saddam will crack under the pressure of the bombs," said one of the guests.
Twelve years after Iraqi troops invaded this tiny Gulf state, Kuwaiti hopes are running high that Saddam will finally fall.
Most citizens of the tiny Gulf state are sitting out the war at their homes in Kuwait City, about 120 km (80 miles) south of the border. Some have left the country.
But a few hardier souls drove north through checkpoints for a surreal night out at the farm, located in a closed military zone.
Dressed in flowing white robes and checkered headdresses, friends gathered for a "diwaniya," a centuries-old traditional informal gathering.
Sipping syrupy tea under a full moon obscured by a gritty sandstorm, they listened for the sound of action while munching snacks. For most of the night, the groaning of the farm's camels was the loudest sound that could be heard.
"They are going to blast Saddam," said Mutlaaq al-Mutairi, who entertained the gathering with bawdy impersonations of the Iraqi leader rallying his troops.
Those gathered share bitter memories of the 1991 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.
As the deadline for the U.S. ultimatum neared, they gathered nervously around the satellite television, flicking through Arabic channels and twirling prayer beads, hoping that U.S.-led forces would secure a swift victory in Iraq.
Some wondered whether Saddam would fire his alleged chemical weapons at Kuwait, while others predicted all of the region's problems would end once the Iraqi leader was ousted.
If the heated rumors and speculation were not enough, a barrage of telephone text messages from other friends fueled the speculation.
Outside, desert winds whipped across an empty road leading to a hole carved in a sandwall, a reminder that U.S. tanks would soon rumble across the border toward Iraq.
After artillery fire rumbled across the desert as dawn broke, and Saddam delivered a televised speech wearing a military beret, the Kuwaitis hurled insults at the Iraqi leader.
"Actually Saddam is here in Kuwait. He is in the farm next door," said one of the men. "The neighbors named the dog Saddam."
Hey now, that's really livin'....
Never let it be said the Kuwaitis don't know how to party. ;-)
And...
Sipping syrupy tea under a full moon obscured by a gritty sandstorm, they listened for the sound of action while munching snacks.
Damn. Those dudes really know how to party. And here I am with my single malt Scotch and shelled pistachios.
Literally!
LOL. Good for them.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
I'm not going there. You can't make me.
Nope.
Not gonna do it.
Lemmie think.
A six pack of warm Camels Milk or a six pack of cold Bud - Hmmmm.
Dang
Choices, choices
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