Iraqi President Saddam Hussein vowed Wednesday to "break the neck" of the United States, saying Washington would pay a high price if it attacked Iraq. "If they believe their illusion, by God America will be hurt. It is not in the interest of American people to suffer such harm on it (U.S.), on its reputation and on its economy around the globe," Saddam was shown on Iraqi state television as telling a group of military officers.
"If they commit the evil aggression that they are talking about, their condition ... would be much worse than it is now whether in their reputation or the material consequences," he said.
"When we talk to the Americans in this way, we are not afraid of evil, but we are trying to avoid it, to drive it away, but when evil is determined, God willing, we break its neck in Iraq."
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Colin Powell said the United States would try to help find a haven for Saddam, his family and close aides if he would agree to leave Iraq. "That would be one way to try to avoid war," Powell said.
Powell endorsed exile for Saddam but said it would not be up to the United States alone to determine whether the Iraqi leader should be granted immunity from prosecution as a war criminal.
"If he were to leave the country, and take some of his family members with him, and others in the leading elite that have been responsible for so much trouble during the course of his regime, we would, I'm sure, try to find a place for them to go," Powell said at the State Department.
"That certainly would be one way to avoid war, and we have indicated that before," he said.
Later, the State Department spokesman, Richard Boucher, described exile as "an idea floating out there" but not one getting serious consideration. (Albawaba.com)
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