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Saddam Seeks Live Debate with Bush

By Anai Rhoads
Veriana.org

CBS reported Monday that Iraq's President, Saddam Hussein, requested that President Bush join him in an open discussion via satellite. Hussein reportedly feels this live debate may clear the air between the leaders, possibly putting diplomacy ahead of war.

Dan rather, who is a long-time news anchor for the CBS network, sat down with Hussein recently. Portions of the interview are scheduled to air on The Early Show with the rest showing later (same day) on the CBS Evening News and Wednesday evening on CBS 60 Minutes.

Rather began his career in journalism in 1950 as an Associated Press reporter in Huntsville, Texas. Later, he was a reporter for United Press International (1950-1952). In a career in journalism that is now in its 5th decade, Rather has established himself as a crucial figure in broadcast news - being the first U.S. journalist to interview Hussein during the Gulf War crisis.

The interview is said to cover his feelings on terrorism, the fate of the Iraqi's if an invasion goes through, and his concern over his own fate in the aftermath.

The opportunity for such a meeting can bridge the gap between the countries, and show the world a mature and civil discussion is possible. However, White House spokesman Ari Fleischer rejected the suggestion, saying it was "not a serious statement."

Previous Rather Interviews:

Rather interviews Colin Powell.

Secretary Rumsfeld Interview with Dan Rather, CBS News

© Copyright 2003 Anai Rhoads. Permission to reprint this article in its entirety may be granted with a written request to the author: anairhoads@rhoadsdev.com