Translator for Saddam Hussein: We hope that the attack will not take place. But we are bracing ourselves to meet such an attack. To face it. You’ve been here for a few days, you see how people live. They live normally, they get married, they visit each other, but at the same time they hear the news. The officials in America keep talking about attacking Iraq. And it’s normal that the people prepare themselves for such a possibility. At the same time they are praying to Allah to stop the Americans from going through with it and to spare the Iraqis from the harm that those on the bandwagon of evil want to inflict upon them.

Rather: Are you afraid of being killed or captured?

Translator for Saddam Hussein: Whatever Allah decides, we are believers. We believe in what he decides. There is no value for any life, without faith. When we were young, ordinary people in Iraq, before, the Iraqi people had suffered a lot of deprivation and backwardness. We decided to place ourselves to the service of our people. Bear with me. My answers are long.

Rather: Mr. President, I have all night.

Translator for Saddam Hussein: We did not ask the question whether we were going to live or die. It's morally unacceptable to ask such a question. Nothing is going to change the will of God. The believer still believes that what God decides is acceptable.

Narration: But we reminded President Hussein that he has more earthly concerns –- more than missiles that U.N. inspectors say have a longer range than permitted threatening Iraq’s neighbors and capable of attacking American troops in Kuwait.

Rather: Mr. President -- do you intend to destroy the Al Samoud missiles that the United Nations prohibits? Will you destroy those missiles?

Translator for Saddam Hussein:
(pause) (nat) We have committed ourselves to Resolution. It is on this basis that we have conducted ourselves, and it is on this basis that we will continue to behave. As you know, we are allowed to produce land to land rockets with a range of up to kilometers, and we are committed to that.

Rather: I want to make sure that I understand, Mr. President. So, you do not intend to destroy these missiles?

Translator for Saddam Hussein:
Which missiles are you talking about? We do not have missiles that go beyond the prescribed ranges, by the U.N.

Rather: I mean, the missiles that Hans Blix says that he wants a commitment from you that they will be destroyed.

Translator for Saddam Hussein: No violation has been made by Iraq to anything decided by the United Nations. If the intention is to rewrite those resolutions, then we will be entering a new framework. A framework in which the United States will be made to forsake its own position and take a new road towards harming Iraq.

In the interview, Saddam Hussein gave no indication he will capitulate to an ultimatum from Chief Weapons inspector Blix -- to begin destroying the missiles by this weekend. Indeed he hinted he will not. Saddam also rejected Bush Administration allegations that besides the missiles delivery system he still has weapons of mass destruction.

Translator for Saddam Hussein: I think America and the United States and the world also knows that Iraq no longer has the weapons. And I believe the mobilization that's been done was in fact done partly to cover the huge lie that was being waged against Iraq, about chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons. That is why, when you talk about such missiles, these missiles have been destroyed. There are no missiles that are contrary to the prescription of the United Nations in Iraq. They are no longer there.

Narration: The Bush Administration says Saddam Hussein is just trying to fool the world one more time about his missiles and his weapons of mass destruction. And he faces a new U.N. resolution accusing him of failing to prove he has disarmed. A resolution which, if passed, would in effect authorize war.

Rather: Will the new proposed United Nations resolution, the one that's just out this week -- will this make any difference at all in your position?

Translator for Saddam Hussein: The basic position, there is no change. We have not pursued any weapons of mass destruction. So, what do they want to issue new resolutions about now?

Rather: So basically, no change in your position.

Translator for Saddam Hussein: The basic stand of our position is clear. We do not compromise our independence or our dignity or our freedom. At the same time we will continue to commit ourselves to what has been decided by the United Nations. If the new resolutions infringe upon our dignity then our position towards such a resolution will be in line with our previous positions.

Rather: Mr. President, have you been offered asylum anywhere? And would you, under any circumstances, consider going into exile, to save your people death and destruction?

Translator for Saddam Hussein: I can understand the motive behind your question. This is a very American style. And it may not be liked by some. But I can understand. However, I will answer your question.

Rather: Thank you.

Translator for Saddam Hussein: I was born here in Iraq and I was born as a genuine believer. I am proud to have been born fearing God, and I have taught my children the value of history and the extreme importance of iman, of our heritage, that we must maintain the honor of nationalism, and pan-Arabism. The importance of that is essential to the nation and to the Arab nation.

And now, I am also teaching this to my grandchildren. And-- I have always talked to the Iraqi people in this sense, since the days of our underground-- freedom-fighting. We do not change our position. Our position is basic. We have been born in Iraq. This is part of a glorious nation. A great Arab nation. And we have lived here. That is why, talking about asylum, whoever decides to forsake his nation is not true to the principles. We will die here in Iraq. We will die in this country and we will maintain our honor. The honor that is-- required of our people. I believe that whoever asks Saddam to-- or, offers Saddam asylum in his own country, is in fact a person without morals because he will be directing an insult to the Iraqi people. The Iraqi people who have chosen Saddam Hussein, unanimously, to continue to lead the people of Iraq

Narration: The Iraqi President told us that the first Bush administration threatened it would bomb Iraq back to a pre-industrial age and then attacked his country with thousands of warplanes and helicopters and missiles.

Saddam Hussein: Colleges were destroyed and bridges were destroyed and palaces. They destroyed buildings, factories, they killed people and elderly. But they did not push Iraq back into the pre-industrial age.

Narration: Saddam said his country stood up to the challenge from one Bush administration in and, if forced to, will stand up to this new Bush Administration as well.

Saddam Hussein: We hope that war will not take place but if war is forced upon us, then Iraq will continue to be here. This country with a history of over years. This country, the cradle of the first civilizations of humanity, will not finish just like that even though a huge power may want it to be like that. Nobody, nobody should accept that Iraq will finish in such a way.

Rather: Mr. President, Americans are very much concerned about anyone's connections to Osama bin Laden. Do you have, have you had, any connections to al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden?

Translator for Saddam Hussein: Is this the basis of the anxiety in the minds of U.S. officials? Or is it the basis of anxiety in the minds of the people of the United States?

Rather: Mr. President, I believe I can report accurately, that it's a major concern in the minds of the people in the United States.

Saddam Hussein: We have never had any relationship with Mr. Osama bin Laden. And Iraq has never had any relationship with al Qaeda. And I think that Mr. bin Laden himself has recently, in one of his speeches, given-- such an answer, that we have no relation with him.

Rather: Do you or do you not agree in principle, with the attack?

Translator for Saddam Hussein: Let me tell you absolutely clearly. We believe in humanity. We believe, in accordance with what Allah, the God Almighty, has taught us. In the same way that God has taught humanity as a whole. That there must be a law governing humanity, and governing relations in humanity. That there should not be an aggressor, while others are silent about the aggression. There should not be a killer, while those who watch and applaud the killing.

Rather: Not so long ago, you were clearly hailed by Arabs from Palestinians to Jordanians throughout the Arab world as the quote Arab Avenger. Are you still relevant on the Arab street? Or has Osama bin Laden made you with other Arabs irrelevant? If you can understand the question. Thank you.

Translator for Saddam Hussein: This is not our goal. What we want is not a personal issue. What we want is what Allah wants and what our nation wants. We want our nation to be happy, not to be spoken of as heroes. The most basic thing to be said about Saddam is that he is a true son of his nation… and to say he did his best for his people and his nation.

Rather: And he does or does not agree that Osama bin Laden is now-- the champion of the Arab streets?

Translator for Saddam Hussein: You, how do you see it? Mr. Rather is an intelligent person. I believe that he wants to get to the truth and not merely provoke or to try to get someone to say something that might be held against him. The most essential thing is to stop the aggression against our nation and the Iraqi people. You see how the Palestinians are killed on their land, and their homes are demolished and their properties are destroyed and no one is trying to take away their handcuffs, to free them. So if you in America consider Osama bin Laden a hero, we are not jealous of him. And if the Arabs consider him a hero, we are not jealous of him. Jealousy is for women. And men are not supposed to be jealous of one another.

Rather: What's the most important thing you want the American people to understand, at this important juncture of history?

Saddam Hussein: First, convey to them that the people of Iraq are not the enemy of the American people. If the American people would like to know the facts as they are, through a direct dialogue, then I am ready to conduct a debate with the President of the United States, President Bush, on television. I will say whatever I have to say about American policy. He will have the opportunity to say whatever he has to say about the policy of Iraq. And this will be in front of the world, on television, in a direct uncensored, honest manner. In front of, as I said, everyone. And then they will judge what is true and what is false.

Rather: This - this is new. You - you are suggesting, you are saying, that you are willing, you are suggesting, you're urging a debate with President Bush? On television?

Saddam Hussein: Yes. That is my proposal. On films we see that the Americans are courageous. When challenged to a duel they will not back down. Just as the Arabs would not.

This will be an opportunity for him to convince the world, if he is committed to war. If he's convinced of his own position, this will be an opportunity for him to convince the world that he is right in making such a decision. It could also be an opportunity for us - to-- tell the world our own side of the story. And why we want to live in peace, and security.

I believe that it is the right of the American people, the Iraqi people and the world that we show our evidence clearly so that they can see for themselves. So, why should we hide from the people? Why shouldn’t we show them both perspectives? We as Presidents -- President of the United States, and President of Iraq. This is what I am calling for. We will either make peace, and this is what we hope for -- and spare our people harm, or whoever decides anything other than peace, will have to convince his own people with the facts. This is the -- the gist of my proposal, my idea.

Rather: This is not a joke?

Saddam Hussein: No, no. I call for this because war itself is not a joke

Rather: Mr. President, where would this debate take place, that you imagine?

Saddam Hussein: The American President in America and Saddam Hussein, the President of Iraq in Iraq. And then the debate can be conducted through satellite.

Rather: Oh. So, a satellite television debate.

Saddam Hussein: Yes. And if Mr. Bush has another proposal, then we are prepared to listen, what is important is the idea.

Rather: Would you be prepared to come to the United Nations for this debate?

Saddam Hussein: The most important thing is that our debate be heard in a normal and accurate way. And by this I do not mean that I go and I make a speech at the United Nations and then that Mr. Bush will make his speech at the United Nations.

That is not what I mean. What I mean is that we sit-- as we are sitting, you and I, now - I will address questions to him and he will address questions to me.

He will explain why he wants to go to war - I will explain why we are insistent on peace and we want to maintain peace. And we defend our honor and our sovereignty and our rights. So that the American people, the Iraqi people and the other peoples of the world will hear us. Without tricks. Without editing. Without prepared speeches. People want to hear live and direct dialogue.

Rather: Well, this surprises me. I want to make sure I understand.

Saddam Hussein: The debate should be broadcast on American and Iraqi television in its entirety.

Saddam Hussein: And it should be broadcast live.

Rather: A live international debate via satellite.

Saddam Hussein: Yes, of course.

Rather: How would this work? Who would moderate this debate?

Saddam Hussein: Yes, you Mr. Rather.

Rather: With respect, Mr. President, I have other problems. I've got enough problems already.

Narration: As soon as the White House heard of Saddam’s proposal for a debate, they immediately rejected it. A spokesman called it "not serious."

During their interview, everything Saddam told Rather was being relayed with the help of his two translators sitting at the same table. It turns out that Saddam was not just speaking, but also listening carefully to what they were saying. At one point, after Saddam mentioned President Bush Senior, one of his translators called him 'Bush’ instead of ‘Mr. Bush.’ Saddam interrupted him in mid-sentence:

Translator for Saddam Hussein: And how Bush, the father, came out on a...

Saddam Hussein: I didn’t say Bush. I said Mister Bush. I am being historically accurate and showing him respect.

Rather: I understand his point when he calls him called Mr. Bush.

Saddam Hussein: I used not to (and this is a funny anecdote) address him as Mr. Bush when he was in power. But as soon as he left office, I referred to him as Mr. Bush. We believe that we should respect the humanity even of our enemy. That’s why I refer to him as Mr. Bush.

Rather: I understand now.

Rather: Mr. President, I hope you will take this question in the spirit in which it's asked. First of all, I regret that I do not speak Arabic. Do you speak any-- any English at all?

Saddam Hussein: (In Arabic…) Have some coffee

Translator for Saddam Hussein: Americans like coffee….

Rather: That's true and this American likes coffee.

Saddam Hussein: I am sorry, I do not speak English - fluently. But I can understand to some extent.

Rather: Well, would you speak some English for me? Anything you choose?

Saddam Hussein: Our language is Arabic.

Rather: Mr. President, if there is an invasion, will you set fire to the oil fields? Will you blow the dams, or your reservoirs of water, to resist the invasion?

Saddam Hussein: Iraq does not burn its own wealth, and it does not destroy its own dams. We hope that this question is not going to be used by those who intend to attack us, to cover their backs while they themselves destroy Iraq’s dams and oil wells. Iraq will not destroy its oil or dams, but will use them and protect them for the benefit of Iraqis.

Rather: Mr. President, Vice President Richard Cheney of the United States says that if, and when, an American-led army comes into Iraq, it will be greeted with music. It will be treated as an army of liberation. If Americans are not to believe that, why should they not believe that?

Saddam Hussein: If the Iraqi army, or any other army, were to cross the Atlantic and occupy America, is it going to be received by the American people with music? I am categorically certain that no Iraqi will welcome any American when he is an occupier. But all the Iraqis will welcome any American who comes as a friend.

That is why, now that you are here, you are being welcomed, even though you come from a country threatening to destroy Iraq. Haven’t you seen the kind of welcome you’ve received, by officials and ordinary citizens? You can roam about in the town. But if an American soldier is here as an occupier, he won’t be received in this way. So as long as you are not a soldier, you are a guest, and a guest is always treated with respect.

Any American, if they want to know the real position of the Iraqi people, they must ask themselves a question. In 1995, the Iraqi people elected Saddam Hussein President of Iraq, and in 2002 they reelected him. And the percentage of the voting was, respectively, 99.6 percent and 100 percent, in those two elections.

Rather: 100 percent?

Saddam Hussein: 100 percent. This, I know may sound very strange to you, but even if you take out whatever portion you want to take out of that, then the ratio would remain high in favor of reelecting Saddam Hussein.

Now, what does that mean? It means that the Iraqis have decided to take a patriotic stand, under the circumstance of war and the blockade. In order to say to the foreign powers that are threatening Iraq it is we, the people of Iraq, who decide our way, not you telling us what to do.

Rather: You mentioned in 1990 and 1991 and the Gulf War. You fought the father, George Bush the first. He and the forces he led prevailed on the battlefield. Now you face the son, who has an even greater, even more modern, even more lethal military force aimed directly at your heart. Why would you think you could prevail this time on the battlefield, or do you?

Saddam Hussein: You know that in both cases, we did not cross the Atlantic to commit aggression against the United States, neither by land or sea or air. The officials in America are the ones who are talking about the intention of attacking Iraq. Isn’t it the responsible thing, the moral thing, and the most basic thing to do, to warn the aggressor that if they attack us, we will not surrender?

If we ask the question to any honest American, including you Mr. Rather, ‘let us suppose that during any time in the future, if another power comes to America, do you do nothing?’ I will answer. I will tell the Americans that if such a thing happens to you one day, do not surrender. Stand and defend your country, and your dignity.

And, as you know we didn’t commit aggression against America. America is the one who is daily killing our children, our women. As I’m talking to you, there are American planes in the south and the north dropping their bombs on the citizens and on their property. This happens daily.

If there is a law in the world that says the stronger ones get their way, it means surrender to the law of the jungle. And we do not want to surrender to the law of the jungle. It is our duty to defend our country, so we will not surrender. Not to America, not to anybody else.

And even if a power has the power of America multiplied by whatever power you want, we will resist. We will fight with honor. And only Allah can give victory. Just a quick historical correction that might interest you and the American people. In 1991, Iraq was not defeated. But our army withdrew from Kuwait by our own decision. It’s true, they left Kuwait under bombing. But when they were back inside Iraq they were not defeated, and neither were the Iraqi people.

Rather: Mr. President, respectfully, a lot of Americans are going to hear that and say ‘what is this man talking about?’ Uh, all of those Iraqi tanks coming out of Kuwait, with the turrets knocked out, indicate a beaten army on the battlefield… There’s no joy in my saying that, but the point is, I’m asking you to explain what you mean by saying you were not defeated in the 1990-91 war. Because I can report to you with accuracy that overwhelmingly the American people believe that was a resounding defeat for you and Iraq.

Saddam Hussein: Let me answer this. You know the goals of Bush the father, and you know he attacked us repeatedly after that? So why did he repeat his attack if we had been defeated?

When there is military conflict, there is attack and there is retreat. And when we saw that Bush the Father, the president, had mobilized 28 armies against us, when we saw that the whole world was in fact collaborating against us, we realized that we had to withdraw from Kuwait.

We did not lose more than 10 percent of our equipment in all of the battles. That was the worst loss suffered by any of our units. So, we lost a battle, but we were not defeated. In what sense does Iraq threaten America? The Iraqi people are not the enemies of the American people. Mr. Rather, you are a well-informed man. And you know the battle is not over until the guns are quiet, and when the national will is bent to what the aggressor wants.
It’s not enough to have superiority in planes and missiles. In the final analysis, the guns will tell the tale of a courageous people defending themselves against the occupiers.

This is a decision made by the people of Iraq. They will continue to commit themselves to the role that will make them respect themselves as well as others. So let us pray and ask Allah to give people the faith that will spare them harm.

Rather: Mr. President, you say that knowing that poised on you border is a tremendous armada, ready to deliver destruction and awe.

Saddam Hussein: Yes, I understand. I hear and I see. But the final truth will be decided by Allah on Iraqi soil - in Baghdad. I’m not talking about the fate of Americans in America. But the fate of Iraqis in Iraq, and the fate of anybody who attacks Iraq.

Rather: Mr. President, I appreciate your remembering that we met in 1990. and I interview you in this great building. Given this sober moment and the danger at hand, what are the chances this is the last time you and I will see each other?

Saddam Hussein: You want me to say what I truly believe?

Rather: Yes.

Saddam Hussein: Only Allah decides the fate of man. But the Almighty also says man should prepare what is necessary here on earth. Then, I can see, that in the future, we will meet another time, no matter what happens or what takes place. And I hope that the Iraqi people and the American people will live in peace and have a relationship that expresses their national interests without one side harming the other