- BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A speech
by President Saddam Hussein lauding Iraq's response to the U.S.-led invasion
fueled pride and patriotism among many in Baghdad Monday.
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- "I found the speech very patriotic. I was in tears
when I heard the president urging our military to fight back," said
Shihab Ahmed, a civil servant in the capital which has been pummeled by
five days of aerial bombardment.
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- Many said the televised speech showed Saddam remained
strong, confident and unmoved by the U.S.-led air and land assault on Iraq.
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- "Saddam is sticking to the principles he believes
in despite five days of ferocious war. He is a leader who will fight to
the end," said Adil Showiya, a local politician.
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- Some Iraqis interviewed by Reuters after the presidential
speech said they resented U.S. plans to install a post-Saddam government
in Baghdad, saying the era of imperialism was over.
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- "At least Saddam is a nationalist who cares for
his country and his people. We will never accept a foreigner or an Iraqi
exile to rule our country," said Saeed Othman, a teacher, referring
to mooted U.S. plans to replace Saddam with Iraqi opposition leaders who
have lived abroad for years.
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- In a second broadcast address since the start of the
war last Thursday, Saddam said Iraqi forces had inflicted serious losses
on U.S. and British forces, and praised commanders fighting specific battles
-- evidence that he had survived the first days of the attack.
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- BAGHDAD BRACES
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- He told Iraqis he had tried his best to avert a war by
meeting United Nations disarmament conditions, but the enemy had motives
beyond a declared aim to rid Iraq of alleged weapons of mass destruction.
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- "I believe every word Saddam said," said Baghdad
taxi driver Jasim Isa, speaking as new air strikes shook the capital again
on Monday.
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- U.S. and British officials said advancing troops aimed
to close in on Baghdad as soon as possible, but the mood in the capital
remained largely defiant.
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- Many residents said they expected a long and painful
battle for Baghdad, emboldened by the fierce resistance put up by Iraqis
in the south.
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- "After these five days and what we've seen, the
Americans are really in trouble as they have been unable to achieve a quick
and easy victory," said Khudeir Kadhim, a street vendor.
-
- In his speech, Saddam called on the army and ruling Baath
Party members to fight back, and asked civilians to be patient, promising
that "victory" would be achieved shortly.
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- He praised as "heroes" the army commanders,
tribesmen and Baath members who had held out against the superior firepower
of the U.S.-led forces.
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- "I wish I could join our armed forces, but I'm too
old now," said 71-year-old Tareq al-Samaraa.
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