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_SECRETS7R1_ U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation Baghdad Operations Center File No. June 28, 2004 DECLASSIFIED BY uc/baw 60324 ON 05-21-z009 Sh While engaging ssa George L. Piro in casual conversation in his detention cell, SADDAM HUSSEIN Provided the following information: SSA Piro discussed with HUSSEIN Iraq’s relationship with Al-Qaeda. HUSSEIN provided a brief historical account of conflicts between religion, specifically Islam, and historical rulers. HUSSEIN stated that he was a believer in God but was not a zealot. HUSSEIN believed that religion and government should not mix. Additionally, the Ba'ath Party ideology was not religiously based, as its founder was a Christian. However, HUSSEIN was clear that he opposed anyone who collaborated with the West against his country. HUSSEIN stated USAMA BIN LADEN’ s ideology was no different than the Many zealots that came before him. The two did not have the same belief or vision. HUSSEIN claimed he had never personally seen or met Bin Laden. SSA Piro advised HUSSEIN there is clear evidence the Iraqi Government had previously met with BIN LADEN. SSA Piro specifically cited FAROUQ HIJAZI’s (BL #104), former IIS M-4 Director, meeting with BIN LADEN in Sudan in 1994, ABU HAFS AL-MAURITANI’s two visits to Baghdad, and his request for financial assistance of ten million dollars. HUSSEIN replied “yes”. HUSSEIN stated the Iraqi government did not cooperate with BIN LADEN. ssa Piro asked HUSSEIN “why not” since Iraq and BIN LADEN had the same enemies, United States and Saudi Arabia. SSA Piro then cited him the quote “my enemy’s enemy is my brother”. HUSSEIN replied that the United States was not Iraq’s enemy, but that HUSSEIN opposed its politics. If he relationship with, or China. 2S HUSSEIN stated that the United States used the 9/11 attack as a justification to attack Iraq. The United States had lost sight of the cause Of 9/11. SSA Piro advised HUSSEIN that due to Iraq’s contradiction between its Statements and actions, Many believe Iraq miscalculated the effects of the 9/11 attack on the American people and its leaders. Iraq denied having any connection with BIN LADEN or Al-Qaeda, but evidence showed 1 This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI. it is the Property of the FBI and is loaned to your agency; it and its contents are not to be distributed outside your agency. ~ sow