Saddam's charm resisted
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.BAGHDAD - For the second time in two days, US warplanes have delivered a stinging rebuff to Iraq's attempt to woo the newly inaugurated President, Bill Clinton, with an attack on air defence sites in the northern no-fly zone. Iraq is likely to persist, however, in its offensive to charm the new incumbent of the White House, writes Charles Richards.
Senior policy-makers in Iraq stress that the ceasefire offer was not a tactical move but a strategic ploy to change the entire relationship with the United States. They are conscious that Mr Clinton is reviewing his foreign policy options.
President Saddam Hussein is endeavouring to portray the conflict as a personal one waged against him by George Bush. The Iraqi President had acted to prove good intent by permitting UN inspectors in again - which was legally sanctioned - and stopping provoking allied aircraft monitoring the no-fly zones in the north and south of the country.
In Washington, officials said they were still uncertain whether the continuing skirmishes meant Baghdad was retreating from its pledge of a ceasefire.
At the United Nations, however, the American ambassador, Edward Perkins, said that in all other respects Iraq appears to be pursuing the spirit of the ceasefire declaration made on the eve of President Clinton's inauguration.
'Baghdad is complying with the manifestations of the Security Council,' he said. 'If that's so, I hope that this will cool down the heat, so to speak.'
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments