◆ SpookStack

1631-HQ-1462938 HUMMADT stated the fiasco of invading Kuwait was a decision completed in 30 minutes. During an RCC meeting, HUSSEIN recited an old farmer's proverb that claimed it is better to cut our necks than to cut our sustenance. HUSSEIN listed the reasons for invading Kuwait and then canvassed the committee members. He asked AL-DURI what he thought and AL-DURI sarcastically protested that Kuwait was a country. HUSSEIN asked AZIZ, who was wise enough to convey a subtle, indirect warning without openly opposing HUSSEIN's judgment. AZIZ explained if an invasion were conducted, predictable consequences would follow. At this point, AZIZ took 10 minutes to lay out the sure-to-follow adversarial responses of the Arab League, the United Nations (UN), the United States, and the rest of the Western world. But, AZIZ knew that if he did not approve HUSSEIN's plan, he would be thrown out. When AL-MAJID was asked his opinion, he shouted, ‘Crush them!'! [HUMMADI interview, May 27, 2004]. While in United States’ custody, HUSSEIN stated that after the 1980-88 war with Iran, Irag was trying to rebuild. HUSSEIN likened the situation with Kuwait as similar to two individuals fighting. The fight ends and the two parties go their separate ways. Thereafter, one of the previous disputing parties is bothered by someone else who also wants to fight. Then, there is no choice but to fight again. According to HUSSEIN, Khomeini and Iran would have occupied the entire Arab world if it had not been for Irag. As such, Iraq expected the Arab world to support them during and after the war. However, Iraq saw the opposite regarding support, especially from Kuwait. At the end of the war, as Iraq began the rebuilding process, the price of oil was approximately $7 per barrel. In HUSSEIN's opinion, Iraq could not possibly rebuild its infrastructure and economy with oil prices at this level, and he believed that Kuwait was especially to blame for these low oil prices. In an effort to solve the situation and stimulate economic recovery, Iraq sent DR. HAMMADI, Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs, to Kuwait. HAMMADI’s conclusion, and that of the Iraqi leadership after the meeting, was that the oil price situation was not just the responsibility/work of the Kuwaitis. Iraq believed some other entity, some larger power, was behind this "conspiracy." Iraq also sent government officials to Saudi Arabia to convince the Saudis to pressure Kuwait. There, the Deputy Chairman of the RCC met with the brother of Kuwaiti leader Prince 65