Bin laden -- Saddam link ?

Through this entire argument, I think that most news outlets have ignored the history of the region and its competing factions. First, two major political waves washed over the Middle East this century, secular-socialists parties (Baath Party) and Islamist Parties. They have been longtime competitors. What would be more annoying to Islamic Parties than the US occupation? A native secular party, such as the Baath Party. Saddam was a natural competitor. Why would Saddam not help bin Laden? Saddam was concerned primarily with preserving his own power. There was real risk in propping up bin Laden. I think giving him WMDs was totally out of the question. Bin Laden supported terrorist groups within Iraq that were trying to overthrow the government.

Having said all of that, is a connection possible? Yes, but highly unlikely.

Facts cited:
1. Meetings in Eastern Europe between Iraqi intelligence and bin Laden reps.
2. Terrorist training camp in Iraq(cited by the British today).
3. Past support for terrorist groups (Hamas, etc)


1. This was widely refuted. I am still looking for the link to original article.
2. This was a terrorist camp in western controlled Kudish territory. The US and British could have taken this out at any time. The group in this camp also volunteered for inspections during the build up to the war.
3. Palestinian terrorist groups are not targeting the US. Futhermore, many US allies support various groups in the Middle East. Bin Laden is in a different league.

I will be generous and say that there is at least weak evidence of a link. Given the history of this administration and intelligence related to Iraq, I cannot give them the benefit of the doubt. I am afraid that no matter what facts were presented they would still stick to the idea of a link between Iraq and Bin Laden.

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