cybermage's Journal: Saddam Offered To Leave Without A Fight

One month before the U.S. invasion of Iraq, Saddam Hussein offered to go into exile in exchange of $1 Billion. Contrast that with the Bush Administration's current request for another $195 Billion to continue the war.

The Evening Standard has the story, which, if confirmed, may be the biggest crime of the whole war. The report comes from a taped conversation between president Bush and then Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar at the President's Crawford, Texas ranch.

However, according to the tapes, one month before he launched the invasion Mr Bush appeared convinced that Saddam was serious about going into exile.

"The Egyptians are speaking to Saddam Hussein," said Mr Bush.

"It seems he's indicated he would be prepared to go into exile if he's allowed to take $1 billion and all the information he wants about weapons of mass destruction."

It is possible that Bush took him up on the offer and Saddam reneged; but given the White House's refusal to comment on the story, it is more likely that one of the few remaining justifications for the invasion, the removal of Saddam, may be yet another made-up excuse.