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STRATFOR.com
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Iraq: Hussein's Son Takes Over Foreign Policy
October 11, 2001
Summary
As the world's eyes turned toward Afghanistan and a U.S.-led war on terror, Iraq's foreign ministry was upended and reshuffled. It now appears that Qusai Hussein, Saddam's second son and likely successor, has taken actual control of the ministry -- laying the groundwork for the United States eventually to normalize relations with Iraq.
Analysis
Iraqi Foreign Minister Naji Sabri al-Hadithi called on Muslim foreign ministers gathering in Qatar Oct. 9 to condemn U.S. strikes on Afghanistan, saying the United States could also target Iraq to settle old scores. Al-Hadithi was speaking before an emergency meeting of the 56-nation Organization of the Islamic Conference.
Most Iraq-watchers saw al-Hadithi as a chair-warmer when he was appointed foreign minister six months ago. But in recent days, he has overseen the largest reshuffle in the Iraqi Foreign Ministry since the 1991 Persian Gulf War. It now appears that Qusai Hussein, President Saddam Hussein's heir apparent, has control of the ministry, with his loyalist al-Hadithi officially at the helm. Qusai's move into foreign policy won't make headlines, but it will be noted by state departments and foreign ministries from Washington to Tokyo. Qusai is as ruthless as his father but maintains a lower profile. More important, the United States and its allies have not demonized him. His ascendancy is an essential step for the eventual normalization of relations between Washington and Baghdad.
(The Rest of the Story)
(c) 2001 Stratfor, Inc.
Dan
Iraq: Hussein's Son Takes Over Foreign Policy . . .