Saddam Hussein: 'O Iraqis, fight with the strength of the spirit of jihad'

From the Iraqi President's televised address to the people of his country

We know, and everyone in this brave, patient, honest, heroic nation knows, just how much we tried to do what was right – so much so, perhaps, that some blamed us for how we behaved and how graciously patient we were over hardships sought by those with ulterior motives and how we responded, although it could coincide with the wishes of the weak or those who do not realise the real intentions and goals of the American and British administrations, which are driven by accursed Zionism.

Now we are living through decisive days in which fighters and the great Iraqi people are doing exceptionally well and for which they deserve victory and satisfaction from God – as he promised the true faithful against the enemies of God and humanity.

We have always complied, even with what is illegitimate and unjust among the demands and allegations of the evil ones, in the hope that the world would awake and lift the sanctions against our people and so that we avoid the evils of war.

O brothers, you know that our country's policy is to avoid evil. But when evil comes, armed with deceit and destruction, we must face it with faith and holy struggle in a manner that dignifies us and satisfies God.

In these battles, in these decisive days the enemy attempted, not only with planes and missiles, as in the past, but also with land forces to occupy your land. These forces have pushed into our land, and wherever they encroach they are trapped in our land, leaving the desert behind them and finding Iraqi citizens surrounding them and shooting at them. The [Baath] party, the people, the clans, the fedayeen of Saddam and the national security forces fighting alongside our brave armed forces have done great things that match their calibre.

Therefore, after underestimating you, the enemy is trapped in the sacred land of Iraq, which is being defended by its great people and army.

O brave fighters, hit your enemy with all your strength. O Iraqis, fight with the strength of the spirit of jihad that you carry and push them to the point where they cannot go on.