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STRATFOR.com
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THE INTERNET SOURCE FOR GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE
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Russia Seeks Regime Change To Prevent Iraq War
November 8, 2002
Informed Russian sources told Stratfor on Nov. 7 that Russian intelligence services are working in tandem with pro-Russian Iraqi generals to oust Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, hoping to stave off a U.S. war. Moscow seeks to stage a coup before the end of November, in time to prevent a U.S. attack.
Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly does not aim to hijack a U.S. victory over Iraq, but rather fears that a war would have serious economic consequences for his country and hurt its international standing. Sources say Putin likely has discussed the matter with U.S. President George W. Bush.
However, two problems would arise with a preemptive coup attempt.
First, the only Iraqi leaders powerful enough to oust Hussein are his own relatives -- though not his sons -- as these are the only generals trusted to come near the Iraqi president. Bush likely would not agree to a new regime that keeps any Hussein family members in power; if the United States proceeds with its war effort Russia's attempts to hatch a coup will have been for naught.
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Dan
Russia Seeks Regime Change To Prevent Iraq War . . .