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"ap -doza (Rev. 20-6.95) @ { . 315E-HQ-1448534-302 * ContiuaticaotBdoact _ “Ali Hasan Al-Majid “on 03/27/2004 ",Page__4 or needy individual, he would give the person assistance and sometimes cry for them. Al-Majid acknowledged, however, that this behavior contrasted sharply with Hussein’s excesses such as his . continued construction of opulent palaces while large segments of the Iraqi people suffered in poverty. Al-Majid stated that this | paradox. was due :to. Hussein's pride and personality. Al-Maj id stated he was afraid that Hussein would distort his (Al-Majid's) history. During the last three to four years, Al-Majid intentionally isolated himself from Hussein. He was fearful that his prominence in the military might cause Hussein to feel threatened; and he wanted to alleviate any mis-perception Hussein may have had about hii wanting to become President. The interviewer reminded Al-Majid that during an interview 01/31/2004, : Al-Majid expressed a desire to create his own party and lead the people of Iraq. Al-Majid acknowledged making this remark but explained that he made it during a period of mental fatigue and .that he no loriger had this ambition. Al-Majid claimed that all of thé instructions given to him by Hussein had to be implemented and he "had no choice" but to follow orders. Although he feared Hussein, Al-Majid claimed that this fear did mot cause him to do things he would normally not have done and that all of his actions were his decisions. Al-Majid recalled an incident which occurred on August 7, 1990 in the course of a meeting of the leadership called by Hussein. During this meeting; Hussein turned to .Al-Majid and stated that Kuwait was worrisome to him. He recommended that Al-Majid "go calm things down." Al-Majid suggested to Hussein that these duties could be accomplished by the Minister of Interior or others. However, as the meeting ended, Hussein ordered Al-Majid to "guard" Kuwait. Al- Maj: id stated he had no desire for this duty but had to follow orders.. Al-Majid acknowledged the differences between the treatment of prisoners in an Iraqi prison and in an American detention center. He ascribed this difference to the fact that the United States is an advanced country with human rights, while Iraq is a third world country: Al-Majid commented that the former regime. must have done something good to have been able to be in the custody of the United States. If a coup had taken place in Iraq before the war, Al-Majid stated he would have been executed long ago. Now, he is alive and hopes to see his family.